🎣New Regulation on Shortraker Rockfish for Alaska Fisheries
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Shortraker Rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
Summary
NMFS is prohibiting retention of shortraker rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) except by catcher/ processors checked-in to the Central GOA Rockfish Program who are fishing with a rockfish cooperative quota permit. This action is necessary because the 2025 total allowable catch of shortraker rockfish for vessels other than these catcher/processors has been reached.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$$ - High
This regulation prohibits retention of shortraker rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area, impacting fishing operations and revenue for affected business owners not participating in the designated cooperative program. The restriction on the total allowable catch signals compliance and operational changes mandated for affected fisheries, necessitating immediate adaptation.