2026-22218·DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska

Final RuleEffective

Published: Oct 30, 2026
Effective: Oct 28, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 68485
Docket: Docket No. 260305-0067, RTID 0648-XG003
Agencies: DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Temporary rule; closure.

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is issuing a temporary rule that bans any directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 of the Gulf of Alaska. The closure is intended to keep the 2026 harvest from exceeding the region’s pre‑set total allowable catch, protecting the fishery from over‑exploitation and ensuring compliance with management limits. NMFS, which operates under the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the agency responsible for the rule. It applies to all commercial (and any recreational) vessels that target pollock in the specified area, as well as to processors and other businesses that rely on that catch. The rule was published in the Federal Register on October 30, 2026 and took effect retroactively on October 28, 2026. Because it is a temporary closure, it remains in force until NMFS determines that the annual catch limit has not been reached and decides to lift the ban. Fishermen must cease directed pollock fishing in Area 630 immediately and await further notice from NMFS regarding any reopening.

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

Official abstract

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the annual 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the GOA.