The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a temporary rule that prohibits the retention of shortraker rockfish in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska. This rule applies to all vessels except those enrolled in the Central GOA Rockfish Program with a cooperative quota permit. It is effective from April 15, 2025, through the end of the year, because the allowable catch limit for these fish has already been reached. This decision ensures the sustainability of the fish population as part of broader efforts to manage fishery resources under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Simple Explanation
The National Marine Fisheries Service has decided that, for 2025, only special boats with a special permit can catch a type of fish called shortraker rockfish in part of Alaska's waters because they've already caught as many as they should to keep the fish safe and happy.