Quota Share Commercial Fisheries Update

The 2012 quota share halibut fisheries opened on March 17. It is estimated that the following catches and numbers of landings were made in the Alaskan IFQ and CDQ fisheries through June 17, 2012 and in the British Columbian IVQ fishery through June 14, 2012.

The catch off Alaska represents 36% of the 2012 commercial fishery catch limit. For comparison, 13.7 million pounds, or 42% of the 2011 catch limit, were landed in the Alaskan fishery by this same date in 2011; however, the opening date of the 2011 fishery occurred five days earlier in the year than that of the 2012 fishery. Thus, during the first 92 days of the 2011 Alaskan commercial halibut fishery, 12.8 million pounds, or 39% of the catch limit, were landed.

The catch from British Columbian waters represents 42% of the 2012 commercial fishery catch limit. For comparison, 2.60 million pounds, or 39% of the 2011 catch limit, had been landed from Area 2B by this same date in 2011. During the first 89 days of the 2011 IVQ fishery, 2.58 million pounds, or 39% of the catch limit, had been landed.

Annette Islands Reserve Fishery in Area 2C

The Metlakatla Indian Community has been authorized by the United States Government to conduct a commercial halibut fishery within the Annette Islands Reserve. Four 48-hour fishing periods, with opening dates of April 20, May 4, May 18, and June 1, had halibut catches by opening of 3,595, 2,178, 1,834, and 4,010 pounds, respectively. After four openings, a grand total of 11,617 pounds of halibut have been landed in 2012. The Metlakatla Indian Community and the Bureau of Indian Affairs will announce future halibut openings.

Area 2A Incidental Commercial Halibut Fishery During the Salmon Troll Season

The total allowable incidental commercial catch of halibut allocated to the Area 2A salmon troll fishery is 30,568 pounds. Incidental catch of halibut in the salmon troll fishery was allowed beginning May 1. It is estimated that 16,700 pounds have been landed through mid-June, in Washington and Oregon, leaving approximately 13,800 pounds to be harvested. The incidental halibut catch fishery during the salmon troll season remains open until further notice. For further incidental fishery retention information call the NMFS hotline (1-800-662-9825 press 7 for halibut information).

Area 2A Incidental Commercial Halibut Fishery During the Limited Entry, Fixed Gear Sablefish Fishery

The total allowable incidental commercial catch of halibut allocated to the limited entry, fixed gear sablefish fishery which operates in Area 2A north of Point Chehalis, Washington is 21,173 pounds. Incidental catch of halibut in the sablefish fishery was allowed beginning May 1. It is estimated that 1,423 pounds of halibut have been landed through May 30. This fishery remains open until further notice.

Final Call for Performance Review Public Commentary

In 2011, the International Pacific Halibut Commission contracted an external review of its structure and function under the Halibut Convention between the United States and Canada. The IPHC has requested feedback from the public on CONCUR, Inc.’s final report, which can be found at:

http://www.iphc.int/documents/review/FINAL_IPHC_Performance_Review-April30.pdf

Through the summer of 2012, the Commission will carefully review the report, taking into account the feedback received during the public comment period before developing a response to the Performance Review.

Comments can be submitted via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it until June 30.

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Bruce M. Leaman
Executive Director
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax: (206) 632-2983

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