Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Shortraker Rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Published Date: 10/16/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 14, 2026, most fishing boats in the Central Gulf of Alaska can’t keep shortraker rockfish because the catch limit has been hit. Only special catcher/processors in the Central GOA Rockfish Program with quota permits can keep them. This temporary rule helps protect fish stocks and runs through the end of 2026, affecting fishermen’s plans and catches.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Most Central GOA Boats Cannot Keep Shortraker
If you operate most fishing vessels in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, you may not keep (retain) shortraker rockfish from 1200 A.l.t. on October 14, 2026 through 2400 A.l.t. on December 31, 2026. This prohibition was triggered because the 2026 catch limit (total allowable catch) for vessels other than Central GOA Rockfish Program catcher/processors is 113 metric tons and that limit will soon be or has been reached. While the prohibition is in effect, shortraker rockfish must be treated like a prohibited species under the regulations cited in the rule.
Catcher/Processors in Rockfish Program Still Can Retain
If you are a catcher/processor checked in to the Central GOA Rockfish Program and fishing with a rockfish cooperative quota permit, you may continue to retain shortraker rockfish during the October 14, 2026 to December 31, 2026 period. The closure explicitly does not apply to those catcher/processors with the specified program permits.
Certain Gear and EM-Participating Catcher Vessels Exempt
If you operate a catcher vessel using hook-and-line, pot, or jig gear, or a catcher vessel using trawl gear that is participating in the electronic monitoring (EM) program, the prohibition on retaining shortraker rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area does not apply to your catch. The rule cites Sec. 679.20(j) for the gear exceptions and Sec. 679.21(a)(2) for EM-participating trawl vessels.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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