The state waters Pacific cod season in Prince William Sound closed on March 23 for vessels using longline gear, but remains open for pot gear and the parallel season for jig gear as well.
The Prince William Sound state waters P-cod season opened to longline gear at noon on March 10, concurrent with the individual fishing quota halibut season opening date, as provided for in the Prince William Sound Pacific Cod Management Plan. The guideline harvest level is 1,289,704 pounds, of which 1,096,249 pounds — or 85% — is allocated to longliners.
Based on projected harvest levels, the longline allocation will be achieved, according to biologists with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. If there is guideline harvest level remaining after Sept. 1, it may become available to all legal gear during a Pacific cod state waters season.
Harvesters are reminded that there is a 24-hour delivery time requirement following closure of a groundfish fishery.
