NOAAFinal Rule
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska: Demersal Shelf Rockfish in the Western, Central, and West Yakutat Regulatory Areas of the Gulf of Alaska
AgricultureEnvironment
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Summary
This regulation sets rules for fishing demersal shelf rockfish (a type of bottom-dwelling fish) in specific waters off Alaska's coast. The rules are designed to manage how much of this fish can be caught to keep the population healthy and ensure fishing remains sustainable for the future.
Key Points
- 1Establishes catch limits for demersal shelf rockfish in three areas of the Gulf of Alaska (Western, Central, and West Yakutat regions)
- 2Affects commercial fishing operations that catch these fish for sale, as well as the seafood industry that relies on this resource
- 3Sets specific seasons and areas where fishing is allowed or prohibited to protect fish populations from overfishing
- 4Managed by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), the federal agency responsible for ocean and fisheries management
- 5Helps ensure that fishing can continue long-term by preventing depletion of rockfish stocks in Alaska waters
Impact Assessment
If you are a commercial fishing operation in Alaska's Gulf, this means you must comply with new catch limits for demersal shelf rockfish in specified regulatory areas to maintain sustainable fishing practices.
Impact Level
Moderate
Geographic Scope
State-specific
Compliance Cost
Moderate
Who is Affected
Small BusinessesImporters/ExportersWorkers/Laborers
Key Dates
Published
February 9, 2026
Regulatory Connections
Amends CFR Sections
50 CFR Part 679
Other Documents in This Rulemaking (NOAA-NMFS-2024-0124)
NOAAAgriculture
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska: Pacific Cod by Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NOAAAgriculture
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska: Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Less Than 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-Line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
NOAAAgriculture
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska: Inseason Adjustment to the 2026 Gulf of Alaska Pacific Cod Total Allowable Catch
NOAAAgriculture
Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska: Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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