Federal Register #260410-0095

Temporary Closure of Recreational Chinook Salmon Fishing in Cook Inlet EEZ Area for Conservation

This notice announces a temporary regulatory action by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) affecting recreational fishing in Alaska: - The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the U.S. Department of Commerce, is prohibiting recreational fishing for Chinook salmon in the Cook Inlet Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Area. - Purpose: Conservation of Chinook salmon stocks, which are at low abundance per the 2026 NMFS stock assessment and State of Alaska forecasts. - No OEMs, vendors, or commercial products/services are involved, as this is a regulatory closure, not a procurement. - The closure aligns with similar restrictions in State marine waters to support salmon population sustainability. - No products, services, or unique procurement requirements are associated with this notice.

Description

NMFS is prohibiting recreational fishing for Chinook salmon in the Cook Inlet exclusive economic zone (EEZ) Area. This action is necessary for the conservation of Cook Inlet Chinook salmon stocks that continue to be in a low state of abundance as assessed in the NMFS 2026 stock assessment and fisheries evaluation (SAFE) report and the 2026 State of Alaska forecasts of very low run strength. The closure is effective from May 1, 2026, through August 15, 2026, to protect the salmon stocks and ensure sustainable management of the fishery.

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