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

Issuing agencies

Abstract

NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod allocated to catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

Full Text

<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 204 (Friday, October 23, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 204 (Friday, October 23, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 66792]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-21680]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 679

[Docket No. 260305-0067; RTID 0648-XF991]


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

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Temporary rule; closure.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by 
catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the 
Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action is necessary to prevent exceeding the 
2026 total allowable catch (TAC) of Pacific cod allocated to catcher 
vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA.

DATES: Effective 1200 hours, Alaska local time (A.l.t.), October 21, 
2026, through 2400 hours, A.l.t., December 31, 2026.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Abby Jahn, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS manages the groundfish fishery in the 
GOA exclusive economic zone according to the Fishery Management Plan 
for Groundfish of the GOA (FMP) prepared and recommended by the North 
Pacific Fishery Management Council under authority of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). 
Regulations governing fishing by U.S. vessels in accordance with the 
FMP appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600 and 50 CFR part 679.
    The annual 2026 Pacific cod TAC allocated to catcher vessels using 
trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA not participating 
in the cooperative fishery of the Rockfish Program is 7,782 metric tons 
(mt) as established by the final 2026 and 2027 harvest specifications 
for groundfish in the GOA (91 FR 11902, March 11, 2026).
    The Regional Administrator, Alaska Region, NMFS (Regional 
Administrator) has determined that the annual 2026 Pacific cod TAC 
allocated to catcher vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory 
Area of the GOA will be, or has been, reached. Therefore, in accordance 
with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(i) and (d)(1)(ii)(B), the Regional 
Administrator is establishing a directed fishing allowance of 5,782 mt 
and is setting aside the remaining 2,000 mt as incidental catch to 
support other anticipated groundfish fisheries. The Regional 
Administrator finds that this directed fishing allowance will be or has 
been reached. Consequently, in accordance with Sec.  679.20(d)(1)(iii), 
NMFS is prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod caught by catcher 
vessels using trawl gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA to 
prevent exceeding this sector's annual allocation of Pacific cod TAC.
    While this closure is effective the maximum retainable amounts at 
Sec.  679.20(e) and (f) apply at any time during a trip. This closure 
does not apply to fishing by vessels participating in the cooperative 
fishery of the Rockfish Program in the Central Regulatory Area of the 
GOA.

Classification

    NMFS issues this action pursuant to section 305(d) of the Magnuson-
Stevens Act. This action is required by 50 CFR part 679, which was 
issued pursuant to section 304(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and is 
exempt from review under Executive Order 12866.
    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), there is good cause to waive prior 
notice and an opportunity for public comment on this action, as notice 
and comment would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest, 
as it would prevent NMFS from responding to the most recent fisheries 
data on the catch of Pacific cod in a timely fashion and would delay 
the closure of Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear in the 
Central Regulatory Area of the GOA. NMFS was unable to publish a notice 
providing time for public comment because the most recent, relevant 
data regarding catch of Pacific cod by catcher vessels using trawl gear 
in the Central Regulatory Area of the GOA only became available as of 
October 20, 2026.
    There is good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to establish an 
effective date less than 30 days after date of publication. This 
finding is based upon the reasons provided above for waiver of prior 
notice and opportunity for public comment.

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.

    Dated: October 20, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-21680 Filed 10-21-26; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


</pre></body>
</html>