# Federal Register #2026-21106

NOAA temporary closure for Pacific Ocean perch retention in the Central Gulf of Alaska

**Buyer:** U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
**Posted:** October 15, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-21106

NOAA has announced a temporary fisheries closure for Pacific Ocean perch in the Central Gulf of Alaska.
- **Government agency:** National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), U.S. Department of Commerce.
- **Action:** Retention of the incidental catch allowance for Pacific Ocean perch is prohibited in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska.
- **Exception:** Eligible vessels checked in to the Central GOA Rockfish Program may retain the fish while operating under a rockfish cooperative quota permit.
- **Purpose:** Prevent the applicable catch allowance from being exceeded.
- **Procurement:** This is a fisheries regulation, not a procurement opportunity. No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are requested or identified.

### Description

The National Marine Fisheries Service prohibits retention of the incidental catch allowance for Pacific Ocean perch in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska, except for vessels checked in to the Central GOA Rockfish Program and fishing with a rockfish cooperative quota permit. The closure is in response to the 2026 total allowable catch apportioned as the incidental catch allowance having been or soon expected to be reached. The rule is effective from October 14, 2026, through December 31, 2026. Certain catches by vessels using specified gear or participating in the electronic monitoring program are described as exceptions in the rule.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/15/2026-21106/fisheries-of-the-exclusive-economic-zone-off-alaska-pacific-ocean-perch-in-the-central-regulatory)