The Prince William Sound state waters Pacific cod season will open to longline gear at noon on March 10, concurrent with the individual fishery quota halibut season opening date, provided under the Prince William Sound Pacific Cod Management Plan.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) announced the upcoming opening along with the closure of the Prince William Sound area parallel Pacific cod season for longline gear, which was scheduled to close at noon on Tuesday. The closure coincides with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) closure of the Pacific cod less than 50 feet in length hook and line gear sector in the Central Gulf of Alaska area. The Prince William Sound parallel Pacific cod season remains open to vessels using jig gear and pot gear.
Harvesters are reminded that there is a 24-hour delivery time requirement following the closure of a groundfish fishery.
Harvesters are required to obtain a Prince William Sound vessel registration for the state waters Pacific cod season before taking part in the state waters season. Vessel registration is available at ADF&G offices in Cordova, Homer and Anchorage.
Participants in the state-waters Pacific cod season are required to check in with the department prior to each fishing trip by telephoning (907) 424-7225 and reporting the following three items: 1) vessel name, 2) estimated date and time of departure for trip, and 3) estimated length of trip (5 AAC 28.020(c)). This requirement is detailed on the area registration form.
ADF&G is reminding harvesters that directed fishing for all groundfish species is closed in waters within three nautical miles of two Steller sea lion rookeries within Prince William Sound.
Bycatch limits by species or species aggregate for the area are set by emergency order.
