Temporary Rule; Closure of Pacific Cod Fishing in the Gulf of Alaska
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This rule, issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), prohibits directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. The closure is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod allocated for these vessels. It establishes a directed fishing allowance and sets aside a portion of the catch for incidental purposes, ensuring sustainable fishing practices and adherence to management regulations.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Prohibition of directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear.
- Establishment of a directed fishing allowance of 4,483 metric tons.
- Set aside of 750 metric tons for incidental catch to support other fisheries.
Obligations
What this law requires
Prohibited directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska effective 1200 hours Alaska local time, April 7, 2026, through 1200 hours Alaska local time, September 1, 2026.
Apply maximum retainable amounts specified at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) at any time during a trip while the closure is effective.
Comply with the established directed fishing allowance of 4,483 metric tons for Pacific cod in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska A season.
Ensure that incidental catch of Pacific cod does not exceed 750 metric tons set aside for incidental purposes during the A season in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska.
Manage groundfish fishery operations in the Gulf of Alaska exclusive economic zone in accordance with the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (FMP).