Alaska Sablefish IFQ/CDQ Season Opening: March 26 – December 7, 2026
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 opening directed fishing for sablefish (black cod) using fixed gear in the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program and the Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. The season begins at 1200 hours Alaska local time on March 26, 2026, and closes at 1200 hours Alaska local time on December 7, 2026, spanning approximately 8.5 months. The season dates are aligned with the 2026 commercial halibut fishery dates established by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), though the opening and closing hours differ. Fishermen targeting both sablefish and halibut under IFQ/CDQ should consult the separate Federal Register publication covering halibut-specific timing, as those opening and closure hours are governed by distinct rules. This regulation applies specifically to fixed gear (longline and pot gear), which is the gear type authorized under the IFQ and CDQ frameworks for sablefish harvest in this region. Quota holders must operate within their allocated IFQ or CDQ pounds during this window.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Directed sablefish fishing season opens at 1200 hours Alaska local time on March 26, 2026
- Season closes at 1200 hours Alaska local time on December 7, 2026 (~8.5 month window)
- Both IFQ Program and CDQ Program quota holders are authorized to fish during this season
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Begin directed fishing for sablefish using fixed gear no earlier than 1200 hours Alaska local time on March 26, 2026
Cease directed fishing for sablefish using fixed gear no later than 1200 hours Alaska local time on December 7, 2026
Use only fixed gear (longline and pot gear) for sablefish harvest under IFQ and CDQ programs
Operate within allocated IFQ or CDQ pounds during the open season
Consult separate Federal Register publication for halibut-specific opening and closure hours if targeting both sablefish and halibut