Alaska Sets Fish Catch Limits: Pollock Gets a Boost
Published Date: 3/19/2026
Rule
Summary
The 2026-2027 fishing rules for groundfish in Alaska’s Gulf of Alaska set new catch limits to keep fish populations healthy and fishing fair. These changes mainly affect crab and pollock fishing boats, adjusting how much they can catch during specific seasons. The updated limits start January 1, 2027, and help balance fishing opportunities while protecting the environment and local economies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
2027 Non-AFA Crab Vessel Sideboards
This correction sets final 2027 groundfish sideboard limits for Non-American Fisheries Act (non-AFA) crab vessels in the Gulf of Alaska, effective January 1, 2027 through March 17, 2027. Example limits: for Pacific cod A Season (Jan 20–Jun 10) Western GOA Pot non-AFA crab vessels the TAC is 3,310 mt and the 2027 sideboard limit is 330 mt; Central GOA Pot non-AFA crab vessels have a TAC of 10,698 mt and a sideboard limit of 507 mt.
2027 Amendment 80 Vessel Sideboards
This correction sets final 2027 Gulf of Alaska groundfish sideboard limits for Amendment 80 program vessels, effective January 1, 2027 through March 17, 2027. Example limits: Pollock A Season (Jan 20–May 31) in the Shumagin area has a TAC of 4,109 mt and an Amendment 80 vessel sideboard of 12 mt; Pollock A Season in the Chirikof area has a TAC of 46,510 mt and a sideboard of 93 mt.
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