Alaska fishing boats can now catch more Pacific cod, if they use hooks or pots

US regulators are shifting how much Pacific cod can be caught in Alaskan waters. This means smaller boats using specific gear types will get a larger share of the available fish.

The government sets annual limits on how much fish can be caught to manage populations. When one group of fishermen doesn't catch their full share, that fish often goes unharvested. This rule ensures more of the allowed catch is actually brought in, supporting the local fishing economy.