The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA, has announced a temporary rule prohibiting fishing for Pacific cod by catcher vessels 50 feet or longer using hook-and-line gear in a part of the Gulf of Alaska. This rule is in place from March 17 to June 10, 2025, to ensure the fishing limit, known as the Total Allowable Catch, isn't exceeded. The NMFS decided not to allow public comment on this rule due to the urgent need to act on new fisheries data. The goal is to make sure fishing stays sustainable in the area.
Simple Explanation
The government is telling big fishing boats that use special hooks not to catch a fish called Pacific cod in a certain part of Alaska for a while. They are doing this to make sure there are enough fish left for the future.