Small fishing boats can catch more Pacific cod in Alaskan waters

US regulators are allowing smaller fishing boats to catch more Pacific cod in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. This means these boats can now use up the entire amount of fish they are allowed to catch each year.

Fishing quotas are often set but not fully used, leaving potential economic value in the water. This change specifically targets smaller vessels, which often operate on tighter margins and have less flexibility than larger commercial fleets. It allows them to maximize their allocated catch, potentially improving their profitability and stability.