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

Published

Sep 1, 2026

Effective

Sep 1, 2026

Citation

91 FR 56072

Docket

Docket No. 260305-0067, RTID 0648-XF989

Agencies

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; closure.

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is temporarily closing the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska to directed Pacific cod fishing by catcher vessels that are 50 feet (15.2 m) or longer and use hook‑and‑line gear. The closure is intended to keep total catches within the 2026 limit set for this segment of the fishery, preventing over‑harvest of Pacific cod. NMFS, which operates under the Department of Commerce, issued the rule. It applies only to the specified large catcher vessels using hook‑and‑line gear; all other vessels and gear types may continue to fish in the area under existing rules. The rule was published and became effective on September 1, 2026. Because it is a temporary closure, there is no public comment period; NMFS will monitor catches and, if the 2026 quota remains unfilled, may reopen the area later in the season. Until then, affected vessels must cease directed Pacific cod fishing in the Central Regulatory Area.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

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