Pacific Cod Fishing Closed for Hook-and-Line Vessels in Western Gulf of Alaska

The National Marine Fisheries Service has closed directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher/processors using hook-and-line gear in the western Gulf of Alaska. The closure takes effect immediately after publication.

Why it matters: This is a routine fishery management action designed to keep the Pacific cod harvest within the annual limit set by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. The practical effect is that vessels using hook-and-line gear in the western Gulf of Alaska must stop targeting Pacific cod once the 701-metric-ton directed catch limit is reached, while still being allowed to keep small amounts of cod caught while fishing for other species.

Who it affects

• Catcher/processor vessels using hook-and-line gear in the western Gulf of Alaska

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This action was published by NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service on May 12, 2026, and you should review the original Federal Register document for exact regulatory references and compliance details.

Agency: Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document