IB 25-49: NMFS Prohibits Retention of Demersal Shelf Rockfish in the Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas of the Gulf of Alaska

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of Demersal Shelf Rockfish in the Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, December 4, 2025, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary because the 2025 total allowable catch of Demersal Shelf Rockfish in the Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas of the GOA has been or will be reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2).

NMFS is requiring that Demersal Shelf Rockfish in the Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas of the GOA be treated in the same manner as a prohibited species, as described under § 679.21(a), for the remainder of the year, except Demersal Shelf Rockfish in the Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas 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).

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.