Alaska Closes Pollock Fishing Zone to Keep Annual Catch in Check
Published Date: 10/23/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 21, 2026, fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the total catch within safe limits for the year. This affects fishermen targeting pollock, who must stop directed fishing until December 31, 2026. The rule helps protect fish stocks and supports other fisheries by allowing only a small amount of pollock to be caught incidentally.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Directed Pollock Fishing Closed Oct–Dec
Starting 1200 hours Alaska local time on October 21, 2026, you must stop directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska. The closure remains in effect through 2400 hours Alaska local time on December 31, 2026, so vessels targeting pollock cannot conduct directed pollock fishing during that period.
Annual TAC and Directed Allowance Limits
The annual 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) for pollock in Statistical Area 620 is 60,477 metric tons (mt). The Regional Administrator established a directed fishing allowance of 60,277 mt and set aside the remaining 200 mt as incidental catch to support other anticipated groundfish fisheries.
Maximum Retainable Amounts Apply During Closure
While the directed fishing closure is in effect, the maximum retainable amounts in 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. That means vessels may only keep pollock up to those incidental retention limits when fishing for other species during the closure period.
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