IB 26-08: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific cod by Catcher Vessels Greater than or Equal to 60 feet Length Overall Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3 meters (m)) length overall (LOA) using pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands management area (BSAI), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, February 4, 2026, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the A season allowance of the 2026 Pacific cod total allowable catch allocated to catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3m) LOA using pot gear in the BSAI and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(iii). This closure does not apply to fishing by vessels participating in the Community Development Program.

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.