IB 25-25: NMFS Prohibits Retention of Pacific Cod by Catcher/Processors Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is prohibiting retention of Pacific cod by catcher/processors using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), effective 12 noon, Alaska local time, July 14, 2025, according to Jonathan M. Kurland, Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS.

This action is necessary because the 2025 total allowable catch of Pacific cod allocated to catcher/processors using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA has been reached and is issued pursuant to 50 CFR 679.20(d)(2).

NMFS is requiring that catcher/processors using trawl gear in this area treat Pacific cod in the same manner as prohibited species for the remainder of the year and discard Pacific cod at sea with a minimum of injury, as described under § 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.