The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 meters (m)) length overall using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, March 17, 2025, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS. On March 7, 2025, NMFS first alerted fishery participants that NMFS anticipated harvest levels would be reached for Pacific cod on March 10, 2025.
This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2025 total allowable catch apportioned to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 50 feet (15.2 m) length overall using hook-and-line gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. This action is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii).
While this closure is effective the maximum retainable amounts at 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip.
This information bulletin only provides notice of a fishery management action. For the purposes of complying with any requirements of this action, you are advised to see the actual text of the action in the Federal Register.
