Alaska Cod Quota Shifts From Trawlers to Pot-Fishing Boats
Published Date: 10/21/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 21, 2026, fishermen using pot gear in the Western Gulf of Alaska can catch 200 more metric tons of Pacific cod, thanks to a reallocation from trawl gear vessels who can’t catch their full share. This change helps make sure the total allowed catch for 2026 is fully used, supporting fishermen and the fishing economy through the end of the year.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Pot-gear vessels get 200 mt more Pacific cod
If you fish with pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, your sector is allowed an extra 200 metric tons (mt) of Pacific cod for 2026. The pot-gear allocation increases from 2,880 mt to 3,080 mt, effective 1200 A.l.t. on October 21, 2026 through 2400 A.l.t. on December 31, 2026.
Trawl-gear vessels lose 200 mt of Pacific cod
If you fish with trawl gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, your sector’s 2026 Pacific cod allocation is reduced by 200 metric tons. The trawl-gear allocation is revised from 1,956 mt to 1,756 mt, effective 1200 A.l.t. on October 21, 2026 through 2400 A.l.t. on December 31, 2026.
Reallocation aims to enable full 2026 TAC harvest
The reallocation is intended to allow the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod in the Western Regulatory Area of the GOA to be fully harvested by the end of 2026. NMFS states this action supports fishermen and the fishing economy through December 31, 2026.
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