The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of Commerce, issued a temporary rule on October 7, 2025, prohibiting directed fishing for Pacific cod by vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. This closure, effective from noon Alaska local time on October 6, 2025, through midnight on December 31, 2025, addresses the risk of exceeding the 2025 total allowable catch (TAC) allocated to this specific fishing sector. The action underscores the federal government's commitment to sustainable fishery management, preventing overfishing in a key Alaskan fishery that supports commercial operations and local economies. By setting aside a small portion of the TAC for incidental catches in other fisheries, NMFS aims to balance conservation needs with ongoing fishing activities.
Background on Gulf of Alaska Fishery Management
The Gulf of Alaska (GOA) groundfish fishery operates under the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, developed by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and approved by NMFS. This plan governs fishing in the exclusive economic zone off Alaska, which extends 200 nautical miles from the coast. Pacific cod, a valuable groundfish species, is managed through annual harvest specifications that set TAC limits based on scientific assessments of stock health, environmental factors, and economic considerations.
For 2025, the final harvest specifications, published in the Federal Register on March 18, 2025 (90 FR 12468), apportioned 4,148 metric tons of Pacific cod TAC to vessels using pot gear in the Central Regulatory Area. Pot gear involves baited traps deployed on the seafloor to catch cod, a method favored for its selectivity and lower bycatch compared to trawling. The Central Regulatory Area covers waters from approximately 147 degrees to 170 degrees west longitude, a productive zone for cod due to its nutrient-rich currents and habitat.
This closure follows NMFS's determination, as stated in the rule, that the TAC 'has been or will be reached.' Under regulations at 50 CFR 679.20(d)(1)(i), the Regional Administrator monitors catches and can close directed fishing—targeted harvesting of a species—to avoid overages. Here, NMFS established a directed fishing allowance of 4,138 metric tons, reserving 10 metric tons for incidental catches in other groundfish fisheries, such as those targeting halibut or sablefish.
Key Players and Legal Framework
NMFS, as the primary agency, enforces the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), enacted in 1976 and reauthorized multiple times, most recently in 2007. This law mandates science-based management to prevent overfishing while achieving optimum yield. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council, comprising stakeholders from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and federal agencies, recommends TACs and other measures to NMFS for approval.
The rule cites authority under sections 304(b) and 305(d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which allow for swift regulatory actions to implement FMP provisions. Notably, the action is exempt from standard notice-and-comment rulemaking under 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B), as prior public input would be 'impracticable and contrary to the public interest.' NMFS justified this waiver by noting that recent harvest data only became available on October 2, 2025, necessitating immediate response to protect the TAC limit. A 30-day delay in effectiveness was also waived under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) for similar reasons.
Precedents for such closures are common in Alaskan fisheries. For instance, similar pot gear closures for Pacific cod in the GOA occurred in 2023 and 2024, reflecting fluctuating stock levels influenced by ocean warming and predation. The rule aligns with broader NOAA efforts to adapt management to climate change impacts, as outlined in the agency's 2022-2026 strategic plan.
Implications for Stakeholders
Short-term effects include an immediate halt to directed pot fishing for Pacific cod in the affected area, potentially shifting effort to other species or regions. Fishers must adhere to maximum retainable amounts under 50 CFR 679.20(e) and (f), limiting incidental cod retention during trips targeting other groundfish. This could reduce revenue for pot gear operators, who rely on cod as a high-value catch, with ex-vessel prices often exceeding $0.50 per pound.
Long-term implications involve stock sustainability. Pacific cod populations in the GOA have faced declines due to marine heatwaves, such as the 2014-2016 'Blob' event, which disrupted food webs. By enforcing TACs, NMFS aims to rebuild stocks, potentially leading to higher future quotas. However, critics from the fishing industry, including groups like the Alaska Groundfish Data Bank, argue that conservative TACs limit economic opportunities, especially amid rising fuel costs and global competition.
Environmental perspectives emphasize benefits for ecosystem health. Organizations like Oceana support strict closures to protect cod as a keystone species, vital for predators like Steller sea lions, which are listed under the Endangered Species Act. Conversely, some economists highlight potential job losses in processing plants in ports like Kodiak, where cod landings contribute significantly to local GDP.
Regulatory Process and Oversight
The rule's issuance bypasses typical Administrative Procedure Act requirements, a standard practice for in-season fishery adjustments. It is classified under Executive Order 12866 as not significant, meaning it does not require extensive economic analysis. NMFS official Abby Jahn is listed as the contact, with the document signed by Deputy Assistant Administrator Samuel D. Rauch III.
This action fits into a pattern of adaptive management, where NMFS uses real-time data from observer programs and vessel monitoring systems to inform decisions. The underlying harvest specifications draw from stock assessments by NOAA scientists, incorporating models like those from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center.
In conclusion, this closure represents a proactive step in federal fishery oversight, prioritizing conservation amid dynamic environmental conditions. Potential next steps include monitoring incidental catches through the end of 2025 and preparing for 2026 specifications, expected in early 2026. Ongoing debates may focus on refining TAC apportionments, integrating climate resilience into FMPs, or exploring gear modifications to reduce bycatch. Challenges ahead involve balancing economic pressures with ecological imperatives, possibly through council-led amendments or congressional funding for research. Stakeholders will watch for any appeals or adjustments, as the fishery adapts to evolving science and policy landscapes.