SEATTLE – The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is calling for bids to supply 72.39 metric tons (159,600 pounds) of chum salmon for the 2026 Fishery-Independent Setline Survey (FISS). Bids on all or a part of this amount are welcome.
The following volumes in each of Canada and the United States of America (USA) are needed:
- Canada:
- 30 metric tons (62,400 pounds)
- USA:
- 09 metric tons (97,200 pounds)
The FISS is a critical component of the IPHC’s monitoring activities, and securing an adequate bait supply is essential to the successful monitoring and subsequent management of Pacific halibut for both countries.
Due to the scientific nature of the FISS, the IPHC requires food-grade chum salmon.
Chum salmon requirements:
- Headed and gutted (H&G).
- Individually quick frozen (IQF).
- Minimum grade is semi-bright #2s (ASMI grade A-E).
- 2 to 3 kg (4 to 6 lb) and 3 to 4 kg (6 to 9 lb) preferred (>4 kg (>9 lb) considered)
- Product may be inspected by the IPHC Secretariat prior to purchase to ensure that the fish was flash frozen to ensure firm flesh and has been processed in a manner that maintains the required quality.
- Product must be toted in ~0.544 metric ton (1,200 lb) fiber totes.
- Information on the month of capture, the run for each unit/tote of fish purchased, and tote weight is required (the labeling of totes as ‘IPHC Research’ product before shipment is necessary.
- Must have been caught and processed no earlier than 1 June 2025.
The IPHC will consider the quantity, size, quality, price, and preseason storage or supply location when making purchases. To be included in initial purchase negotiations, please complete the information on the second page of this announcement and submit it to the IPHC Secretariat via e-mail: secretariat@iphc.int.
This call for bids is open until filled. Purchase agreements will be released to the parties by 1 November 2025 or upon review of a bid.
Please complete the following table if you would like to be included in purchase negotiations:
As part of our planning, the IPHC would also like information on timing, quantity, and location availability of chum salmon between the dates of 1 June and 31 August 2026, for possible in-season additional bait purchase. If you can provide in-season chum salmon, please expand on estimated quantity, timeframe, and location. If you offer additional services with your submission (i.e. storage or loading costs), please include an explanation with your response.
For further information please contact the IPHC Secretariat at secretariat@iphc.int or 206.634.1838.
IPHC Secretariat
International Pacific Halibut Commission
2320 W. Commodore Way, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98199-1287
206-634-1838 | www.iphc.int