Alaska Closes Pot-Gear Cod Fishing Before Annual Catch Limit Is Exceeded
Published Date: 10/27/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting October 23, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear in the Western Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to stop fishermen from catching more than the allowed limit of 3,080 metric tons this year. This affects all vessels using pot gear in that area and helps keep the fish population healthy. The closure lasts until December 31, 2026, making sure the rules are followed and the fishery stays sustainable.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Pot-gear Pacific Cod Fishery Closed Oct–Dec
If you operate a vessel using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, directed fishing for Pacific cod is prohibited from 1200 hours Alaska time on October 23, 2026, through 2400 hours on December 31, 2026. This closure applies to all vessels using pot gear in that area and stops directed Pacific cod fishing to prevent exceeding the 2026 allocation.
2026 Pot-Gear Pacific Cod Quota and Allowance Set
For 2026, the Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska is 3,080 metric tons (mt). The Regional Administrator established a directed fishing allowance of 2,480 mt and set aside 0 mt as incidental catch for that sector.
Maximum Retainable Amounts Apply During Closure
While the closure is effective (October 23, 2026 through December 31, 2026), the maximum retainable amounts in 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. That means vessels cannot retain more Pacific cod than those regulatory maximums while on a fishing trip during the closure period.
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