2026-02284Rule

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 60 Feet (18.3 Meters) Length Overall Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

Published Date: 2/5/2026

Rule

Summary

Starting February 4, 2026, fishing for Pacific cod using pot gear is temporarily banned for catcher vessels 60 feet or longer in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This stop helps keep the 2026 catch limits from being broken, protecting fish stocks and the fishing industry. The closure lasts until September 1, 2026, so big boats need to plan their fishing carefully to avoid penalties.

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Pot-gear Big-Vessel Pacific Cod Ban

If you operate a catcher vessel 60 feet (18.3 m) or longer using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI), directed fishing for Pacific cod is prohibited from 1200 Alaska local time on February 4, 2026 through 1200 Alaska local time on September 1, 2026. The closure was issued because the A season allowance for this sector is 5,016 metric tons (mt), and the rule aims to prevent that allowance from being exceeded. While closed, maximum retainable amounts in Sec. 679.20(e) and (f) apply during trips.

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Key Dates

Rule Effective
Published Date
2/4/2026
2/5/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Commerce Department
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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