IB 26-33: NMFS Reallocates Pacific Cod from Multiple Sectors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and Opens Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels < 60[...]

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is reallocating the projected unused amount of 711 mt of Pacific cod from vessels using jig gear and 224 mt of Pacific cod from catcher vessels greater than or equal to 60 feet (18.3 meters) length overall (LOA) using hook-and-line gear to the annual amount specified for catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI). In addition, NMFS is opening directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels less than 60 feet (18.3 meters) LOA using hook-and-line or pot gear in the BSAI at 12 noon, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), September 1, 2026, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

The following table summarizes the reallocation in metric tons:

This action is necessary to fully use and allow the 2026 total allowable catch of Pacific cod in the BSAI to be harvested and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.25(a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(i)(C), and (a)(2)(iii)(D), 50 CFR 679.20(a)(7)(iii)(A), and 50 CFR 679.20(a)(7)(iv)(C).

This information bulletin only provides notice of a fishery management action. For the purposes of complying with the requirements of this action, you are advised to see the actual text of the action in the Federal Register.