IB 26-44: NMFS Prohibits Retention of Pacific ocean perch in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of the incidental catch allowance of Pacific ocean perch in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, October 14, 2026, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary because the 2026 total allowable catch of Pacific ocean perch apportioned as the incidental catch allowance for Pacific ocean perch in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA will soon be or has been reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2). This action does not apply to vessels checked-in to the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA Rockfish Program who are fishing with a rockfish cooperative quota permit.

NMFS is requiring that catches of the incidental catch allowance for Pacific ocean perch in this area be treated in the same manner as prohibited species, as described under § 679.21(a), for the remainder of the year, except for Pacific ocean perch in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA caught by catcher vessels using hook-and-line, pot, or jig gear as described in § 679.20(j), or caught by catcher vessels using trawl gear participating in the electronic monitoring program as described in § 679.21(a)(2). 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 .