16 May 2017
NON-TREATY DIRECTED COMMERCIAL FISHING PERIOD LIMITS IN AREA 2A FOR 28 JUNE FISHERY
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) has determined that fishing period limits will be required during the 28 June 10-hour non-treaty directed commercial fishing period in Area 2A to avoid exceeding the 225,591 pound (net weight) catch limit. The 28 June fishing period will begin at 8:00 AM and end at 6:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time. The fishery is restricted to waters south of Point Chehalis, Washington (46°53.30’ N. latitude) under regulations promulgated by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Fishing period limits as indicated in the following table will be in effect for this opening.
| Vessel Class | Fishing Period Limit (pounds) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Letter | Dressed, head-on with ice/slime | Dressed, head-off without ice/slime |
| 0-25 | A | 860 | 755 |
| 26-30 | B | 1,075 | 945 |
| 31-35 | C | 1,715 | 1,510 |
| 36-40 | D | 4,735 | 4,165 |
| 41-45 | E | 5,090 | 4,480 |
| 46-50 | F | 6,095 | 5,365 |
| 51-55 | G | 6,800 | 5,985 |
| 56+ | H | 10,225 | 9,000 |
The appropriate vessel length class and letter are printed on each vessel license. The fishing period limit applies to the vessel, not the individual fisher, and any landings over the vessel limit will be subject to forfeiture and fine.
The fishing period limit is shown in terms of dressed, head-off weight as well as dressed, head-on weight, although fishers are reminded that regulations require that all halibut from Area 2A be landed with the head on. Additionally, fishers are reminded that there is a 72-hour rule, whereby a vessel that will be used in the directed fishery may not be used to fish for any species of fish anywhere in Area 2A during the 72-hour period immediately before the directed commercial fishing period unless all catch of other species has been completely offloaded or the vessel submits to a hold inspection by an authorized officer prior to the start of the fishing period (see IPHC Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations 2017, sections 19(7)(a)(b) and 19(8)(a)(b)).
NMFS has implemented mandatory area closures that are in effect for the directed Pacific halibut fishery to protect specific rockfish species. For the exact coordinates of the closed areas, go to the following web page: http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/management/groundfish_closures/groundfish_closed_areas.html.
For further information, call the NMFS hotline at 1 800-662-9825, then press “7” for the halibut fisheries.
– END –
Document
Title
Report #
Year
Date Published
IPHC-2017-NR007.pdf
Non-Treaty Directed Commercial Fishing Period Limits in Area 2A for 28 June Fishery
07
2017
16 May 2017
