Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is closing directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) to prevent exceeding the A season total allowable catch (TAC) of 46,510 metric tons (mt) for 2026. The Regional Administrator determined that this limit has been or will be reached, setting a directed fishing allowance of 46,310 mt and reserving 200 mt for incidental catch in other groundfish fisheries. This temporary rule prohibits directed fishing from 1200 hours Alaska local time on April 1, 2026, through September 1, 2026, while allowing maximum retainable amounts under regulations during trips. This action follows the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the GOA under the Magnuson-Stevens Act, with regulations at 50 CFR parts 600 and 679. NMFS waived prior notice and comment due to recent catch data from March 31, 2026, making timely closure essential to avoid overharvest. The rule is exempt from Executive Order 12866 review and effective immediately for public interest. Vessels can still retain pollock incidentally, but directed fishing—targeted harvesting—is banned to protect the TAC.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Prohibits directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620, GOA, effective April 1, 2026, 1200 hrs A.l.t.
- Closes through September 1, 2026, 1200 hrs A.l.t.
- Sets directed fishing allowance at 46,310 mt, reserves 200 mt for incidental catch.
+ 2 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Prohibit all directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska from 1200 hours Alaska local time on April 1, 2026, through 1200 hours Alaska local time on September 1, 2026.
Establish and enforce a directed fishing allowance of 46,310 metric tons for pollock in Statistical Area 620 during the 2026 A season.
Reserve 200 metric tons of the 46,510 metric ton TAC for incidental catch in other groundfish fisheries in Statistical Area 620.
Allow vessels to retain pollock only as incidental catch under maximum retainable amounts specified in 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) during trips, with directed fishing prohibited.
Monitor pollock catch data in Statistical Area 620 to prevent exceeding the 46,510 metric ton A season TAC established in the 2026 and 2027 harvest specifications.