Federal Register #Docket No. 260410-0095

NOAA Proposes 2026 Salmon Harvest Limits for Cook Inlet EEZ, Alaska

This proposed rule from NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) sets the 2026 harvest specifications for the Cook Inlet salmon fishery in Alaska's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): - Government Buyer: - Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Sustainable Fisheries Division, Alaska Region - Products/Services Requested: - Establishes Overfishing Limits (OFL), Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), and Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2026 for the following salmon stocks: - Kenai River Late-Run sockeye salmon - Kasilof River sockeye salmon - Aggregate Other sockeye salmon - Aggregate Chinook salmon - Aggregate coho salmon - Aggregate chum salmon - Aggregate pink salmon - Specific quantities for each stock and category (e.g., Kenai River Late-Run sockeye salmon: OFL 1,284,478; ABC 937,993; TAC included in combined sockeye total) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Harvest limits are set to prevent overfishing and consider social, economic, and ecosystem factors - Procedures for in-season adjustments and directed fishing closures if TACs are reached - Public comment period prior to finalization - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a regulatory action affecting commercial salmon fishing vessels and charter operators - Place of Performance: - Cook Inlet EEZ Area, Alaska - Contracting office located in Juneau, AK

Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) proposes the 2026 harvest specifications for the salmon fishery in the Cook Inlet exclusive economic zone (EEZ) Area. This action aims to establish harvest limits for salmon during the 2026 fishing year to meet the goals of the Fishery Management Plan for Salmon Fisheries in the EEZ off Alaska. The proposed rule is intended to conserve and manage salmon resources in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Comments on the proposal must be received by April 30, 2026.

View original listing