IPHC-2026-MR-011 – 2026 Fecundity Study Request for Tender

SEATTLE – The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking to charter longline vessels to conduct a fecundity study starting as early as August 2026 in IPHC Charter Regions: Ommaney, Gore Point, and Unalaska.

The primary purpose of the study is to collect fecundity samples from female Pacific halibut greater than 90 centimeters prior to spawning.

Vessels need not be licensed for Pacific halibut fishing in Canada or the USA to be eligible. The IPHC is not restricted as to the nationality of the vessels it charters for operation in any region provided customs and immigration regulations are followed. Fish caught and retained for sale during this study in SE Alaska may be sold in Canada.

One to two IPHC Secretariat staff will be deployed aboard the vessel along with two motion compensated platform scales, one larger scale with a cradle and a second smaller scale to weigh whole ovaries. Biological sampling will include the collection of length, weight, genetic samples (fin clips), age data (otoliths), whole ovary and liver weights, an ovary samples for fecundity. Sublegal fish will not be retained. 

Both snap gear & fixed gear longline vessels are encouraged to bid on this study.

Vessels are encouraged to submit bids based on a study in each charter region comprising of 300 total skates.

Interested vessel owners are invited to submit tenders based upon the 2026 Fecundity Study Tender Specifications. The Tender Specifications and Vessel Tender Forms for this project may be accessed directly from the IPHC website: Vessel Recruiting | IPHC.

Initial review of bid submissions will take place on 27 July 2026 and the request for tender will remain open until filled. In order to be considered in the initial review, submissions must be completed no later than 23:59 (Pacific) on 26 July 2026.