IB 26-36: NMFS Prohibits Retention of “Other Rockfish” in the Aleutian Islands Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of "other rockfish" in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, September 21, 2026, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of "other rockfish" in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the BSAI because the TAC will soon be or has been reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2).

NMFS is requiring that "other rockfish" in the Aleutian Islands subarea of the BSAI be treated in the same manner as a prohibited species, as described under § 679.21(a), for the remainder of the year, except "other rockfish" species in the Aleutian Islands subarea caught by catcher vessels using hook-and-line, pot, or jig gear as described in § 679.20(j). While this prohibition is effective the requirements at § 679.20(j)(4) apply.

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.