Proposed rule · 2026-23251

Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone off Alaska; Pelagic Trawl Gear Definition

NMFS proposes regulations to revise the regulatory definition of authorized fishing gear, including the definition of pelagic trawl gear, and the gear limitations for pelagic trawl gear, applicable to vessels in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) off Alaska. This action is necessary to clearly allow the use of certain common components in codends and bycatch reduction devices, and to remove an outdated limitation on the use of parallel line trawls. This action is expected to provide additional flexibility and promote innovations in pelagic trawl gear design, which may reduce environmental impacts while maintaining efficient fishing operations. This action is intended to promote the goals and objectives of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act), the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska Management Area (GOA FMP) and the FMP for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI FMP), and other applicable laws.