Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Key claim: Larger hook-and-line catcher boats (50 feet or longer) are barred from targeting Pacific cod in the central Gulf of Alaska so they do not exceed their 2026 catch quota.
Abstract
(Rule · Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 meters (m)) length overall using hook-and-line (HAL) gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 m) length overall using HAL gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.
Why this matters
In-season sector closures like this keep individual fleets within their allocated share of a stock’s catch limit, protecting the resource but temporarily halting revenue for affected Gulf of Alaska hook-and-line cod vessels. Consumers see minimal short-term price impact because Pacific cod supply comes from multiple sectors and regions, but repeated early closures can signal tightening quotas and shifting allocations among gear types.