The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) invites the public and industry to submit proposals/comments concerning IPHC staff catch limit recommendations or science-related issues (e.g., the stock assessment, harvest policy, etc.) to the IPHC for inclusion at the 2013 IPHC Annual Meeting. Blank forms for submission are available through the IPHC office or from the web page. All completed submissions that are received (or postmarked) by the deadline will be included in discussion at the Annual Meeting. Comments may be posted on the IPHC homepage (www.iphc.int) and copies can also be available by mail or fax by calling the IPHC offices (206-634-1838).

For 2013, the IPHC staff catch advice will focus on the trade-off between potential harvest levels and the risks to the stock and catch trends at the coastwide level. A range of coastwide catch levels will be presented, along with the apportionment-based catches by management area based on the standard harvest policy. Please be aware that the IPHC regulates only the catch limits by IPHC Regulatory Area and not by fishery (commercial or sport). Internal allocation issues (catch limit distribution, for example) are handled domestically and should be addressed to the respective governments.

Due to the need for adequate staff time to assemble Catch Limit comments prior to the IPHC Annual Meeting, the deadline is December 30, 2012. Any information to be included must be received at the IPHC office (or postmarked) by the deadline date. Comments received after the deadline may not be included or reviewed at the Annual Meeting.

• Catch Limit Proposal Comment Form (MS Word; pdf)

IPHC Staff harvest advice will be posted after the Interim Meeting

Please see our Information Bulletin on the catch limit format change.

Submit by:

FAX: (206) 632-2983

Mail: 2320 W. Commodore Way, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98199-1287 USA

Catch limit comments