Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 1, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear in the Western Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen using pot gear who must stop targeting Pacific cod until September 1, 2026, helping protect the fish population and future fishing opportunities. No extra catch is allowed, so everyone needs to follow the new rules to avoid penalties.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary closure for pot-gear cod fishing
Starting 1200 hours Alaska local time on February 1, 2026, directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska is closed through 1200 hours Alaska local time on September 1, 2026. If you operate or work on a pot-gear vessel in that area, you must stop targeting Pacific cod during that period.
A-season TAC set and incidental catch zeroed
The A season allowance of the 2026 Pacific cod total allowable catch (TAC) apportioned to vessels using pot gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska is 1,027 metric tons (mt). NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 1,027 mt and set aside 0 mt for incidental catch; while the closure is effective, maximum retainable amounts at Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-06484 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project in San Francisco Bay, California
The Port of San Francisco wants permission to do construction for the Mission Bay Ferry Landing, which might accidentally disturb marine mammals in San Francisco Bay. The government is asking for public comments before deciding to allow this, with a chance to renew the permit for one more year if needed. Comments are due by May 4, 2026, so speak up if you care about the sea life or the project’s progress!
2026-06514 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska
Starting April 1, 2026, fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen targeting pollock, who must stop directed fishing until September 1, 2026, helping protect the fish population and support other fisheries. The closure ensures the 2026 pollock catch limit isn’t exceeded, balancing fishing opportunities and conservation.
2026-06566 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
The government is shifting some pollock fishing quotas from the Aleutian Islands to the Bering Sea because the Aleutian Islands won’t use all their share this year. This change helps fishermen in the Bering Sea catch more pollock without going over limits. It starts April 3, 2026, and runs through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair.
2026-06460 — South Atlantic Fishery Management Council-Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a meeting April 21-23, 2026, to talk about important changes to fishing rules for snapper, grouper, and other fish. Fishermen, businesses, and ocean lovers in the South Atlantic region will hear updates, suggest new rules, and review how fish stocks like black grouper and black sea bass are doing. This meeting could lead to new fishing seasons, permit changes, and better fish management that might affect fishing costs and opportunities.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02165 — The Sunset Rule; Correction
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission fixed a small mistake in a recent rule about adding expiration dates to some regulations, part of a plan to keep rules fresh and support American energy. This correction updates the number of public comments received and confirms the rule starts on February 3, 2026. If you work with or follow NRC rules, this keeps things clear and on track without changing costs or deadlines.
Next: 2026-02175 — Drawbridge Operation Regulation; New Rochelle Harbor, Westchester County, NY
The Coast Guard is temporarily changing how the Glen Island Bridge in New Rochelle Harbor operates to finish fixing the bridge and remove a temporary one faster than planned. This affects boaters and drivers who use the bridge between February 3 and June 26, 2026. The quicker work means less waiting around and no extra costs for the public.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in