23 March 2018

REVISED PACIFIC HALIBUT CATCH LIMITS FOR 2018

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) completed its 94^th Annual Meeting (AM094) in Portland, OR, U.S.A. on 26 January 2018. As noted in previous IPHC News Releases 2018-01 and 2018-03 (available at the IPHC website [https://www.iphc.int]), the Commission did not reach agreement on new Pacific halibut catch limits for the 2018 fishing period. Thus, by default, the catch limits set for the 2017 fishing period remain in place, unless more restrictive regulations are put in place by the Contracting Parties, in accordance with The Convention between Canada and the United States of America for the preservation of the [Pacific] halibut fishery of the Northern Pacific ocean and Bering sea (Article I, paragraph 2).

Canada

On 13 February 2018, Canada, via Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), announced the adoption and implementation of the following ‘more restrictive’ 2018 catch limits for Pacific halibut fisheries in IPHC Regulatory Area 2B:

	Catch limit (pounds)	Catch limit (metric tons)
IPHC Regulatory Area 2B	6,223,985	2,823.18
Commercial Total Allowable Catch	5,295,995	2402.25
Recreational Total Allowable Catch	927,990	420.93

Note that these catch limits are more restrictive than the catch limits published by the IPHC in the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations (2018) (https://www.iphc.int/uploads/pdf/regs/iphc-2018-regs.pdf).

These catch limits have been incorporated into Canada’s Pacific Fishery Regulations (http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-93-54/index.html) and are described in the conditions of licence for the directed fishery.

Canadian Pacific halibut fishing periods and catch limits are also noted in the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan, Groundfish published at: http://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/40657814.pdf.

United States of America

On 23 March 2018, the United States of America, via NOAA-Fisheries, announced the adoption and implementation of the following ‘more restrictive’ 2018 catch limits for the commercial Pacific halibut fisheries in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A, to be effective as of 24 March 2018:

	Catch limit (pounds)	Catch limit (metric tons)
IPHC Regulatory Area 2A	1,190,000	539.78
Treaty Indian commercial	389,500	176.68
Non-treaty directed commercial (south of Pt. Chehalis)	201,845	91.56
Non-treaty incidental catch in salmon troll fishery	35,620	16.16
Non-treaty incidental catch in sablefish fishery (north of Pt. Chehalis)	50,000	22.68

More restrictive 2018 catch limits for non-commerical fisheries in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A – the Treaty Indian ceremonial and subsistence and recreational (sport) fisheries in Wasington, Oregon, and California – were not specified in the 23 March 2018 announcement of this interim final rule. Revised catch limits for these sectors are expected to be included in the final promulgation of the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Catch Sharing Plan for 2018.

On 19 March 2018, NOAA-Fisheries announced the adoption and implementation of the following ‘more restrictive’ 2018 catch limits for the Pacific halibut fisheries in IPHC Regulatory Areas 2C, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B and 4CDE:

	Catch limit (pounds)	Catch limit (metric tons)
IPHC Regulatory Area 2C	4,450,0001	2,018.511
Commercial (IFQ)	3,570,000	1,619.32
Charter sport	810,000	367.41
IPHC Regulatory Area 3A	9,450,0001	4,286.491
Commercial (IFQ)	7,350,000	3,333.91
Charter sport	1,790,000	811.94
IPHC Regulatory Area 3B	2,620,000	1,188.41
IPHC Regulatory Area 4A	1,370,000	621.42
IPHC Regulatory Area 4B	1,050,000	476.27
IPHC Regulatory Area 4CDE	1,580,000	716.68
IPHC Regulatory Area 4C	733,500	332.71
IPHC Regulatory Area 4D	733,500	332.71
IPHC Regulatory Area 4E	113,000	51.26

¹ In accordance with the catch sharing plan in place for this IPHC Regulatory Area, this overall total includes estimates for discard mortality.

NOAA-Fisheries also announced the following ‘more restrictive’ 2018 management measures for the charter recreational fisheries in IPHC Regulatory Areas 2C and 3A, based on the revised 2018 catch limits:

In IPHC Regulatory Area 2C: a one-fish daily bag limit, with a reverse slot limit that allows retention of Pacific halibut less than 38 inches or greater than 80 inches, and no annual limit.

In IPHC Regulatory Area 3A: a two-fish daily bag limit, a maximum size limit of less than or equal to 28 inches on one of those Pacific halibut, and a four-fish annual limit. In addition, Wednesdays will be closed to charter fishing in IPHC Regulatory Area 3A all season, along with six Tuesday (July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31, August 7, and August 14) closures in the summer. Vessels and charter permit holders will continue to be limited to one trip per day.

Note that these catch limits and charter management measures are more restrictive than the catch limits and charter management measures published by the IPHC in the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations (2018) (https://www.iphc.int/uploads/pdf/regs/iphc-2018-regs.pdf).

The complete texts of the interim final rules published by NOAA-Fisheries are available at the Federal Register website: https://www.federalregister.gov. The NOAA-Fisheries interim final rule for IPHC Regulatory Area 2A is available on file as of 23 March 2018 at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current and is scheduled to appear in the Federal Register on 26 March 2018.

– END –

David T. Wilson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.int

26 March 2018

IPHC NOTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL PACIFIC HALIBUT SALES IN 2018, SEEKING BUYERS INTERESTED IN RESEARCH FISH SALES

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) will be conducting its annual fishery-independent setline survey operations off Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska during the 2018 fishing period and will be selling Pacific halibut caught and sampled during these operations to offset costs associated with conducting the research, in accordance with The Convention between Canada and the United States of America for the preservation of the [Pacific] halibut fishery of the Northern Pacific ocean and Bering sea (Article III, paragraph 2).

This news release is intended to notify processors of the IPHC plan to sell fish and to update lists of interested buyers in ports where IPHC-chartered vessels will offload catch. 

Approximately 15 vessels will be involved in the IPHC fishery-independent setline survey, with landings between early June and early September. Average trip poundage for Pacific halibut will range from 5,000 to 35,000 pounds, plus lesser amounts of rockfish and Pacific cod.  The condition of fish prior to each landing will be communicated in the individual sales announcement.

Sales will be awarded based on the IPHC’s objectives of achieving a fair market price. Sale agreements will be based on prices at the time of the sale. The IPHC will not enter into any consignment or profit-sharing arrangements. The IPHC plans to contact interested Pacific halibut buyers prior to each landing. Preferences will be given to buyers with a history of successfully marketing Pacific halibut and following ethical business practices. In awarding sales, the IPHC will consider: (1) price; (2) the number of years buyers have been buying and marketing Pacific halibut; (3) how fish are graded at the dock, including the determination of No. 2 Pacific halibut and chalky fish; and (4) promptness in settlements following deliveries. Obtaining a fair market price will be a primary consideration in awarding fish sales. The IPHC will also attempt to distribute sales among as many qualified buyers as possible, subject to fair market value. For deliveries in Washington and Oregon, fish from all offloads may be awarded to a single buyer.

All buyers (including those with past IPHC sales history) interested in purchasing IPHC fishery-independent setline survey fish in 2018 should complete the attached Interested Buyer Form and mail, fax, or email it to the IPHC Secretariat at secretariat@iphc.int before 1 May 2018.  It may be easiest for you to complete this form online (https://www.iphc.int/form/interested-buyer-contact-info). Replying to this news release will ensure you are kept informed of purchasing opportunities throughout our field season.  For further information, please contact Eric Soderlund at (206) 552-7678 or via email at Secretariat@iphc.int.

David T. Wilson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.int

1 February 2019

INTERNATIONAL PACIFIC HALIBUT COMMISSION

COMPLETES 95^TH ANNUAL MEETING

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) completed its 95^th Annual Meeting (AM095) in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada on 1 February 2019. A total of 198 Pacific halibut stakeholders attended the meeting, with over 142 more participating in web broadcasts of the meeting. Meeting information, documents, and presentations are available on the meeting page at the IPHC website (https://www.iphc.int/venues/details/95th-session-of-the-iphc-annual-meeting-am095).

The Commission adopted distributed mortality (TCEY) values for each IPHC Regulatory Area as shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Distributed mortality (TCEY) by IPHC Regulatory Area

IPHC Regulatory Area	Distributed mortality limits (TCEY) (net weight*)
	Metric tons (t)	Pounds (lb)
Area 2A (California, Oregon, and Washington)	748.43	1.65M
Area 2B (British Columbia)	3,098.04	6.83M
Area 2C (southeastern Alaska)	2,875.78	6.34M
Area 3A (central Gulf of Alaska)	6,123.50	13.50M
Area 3B (western Gulf of Alaska)	1,315.42	2.90M
Area 4A (eastern Aleutians)	879.97	1.94M
Area 4B (central/western Aleutians)	657.71	1.45M
Areas 4CDE (Bering Sea)	1,814.37	4.00M
Total	17,513.20	38.61M

*“net weight” of a Pacific halibut means the weight of Pacific halibut that is without gills and entrails, head-off, washed (without ice and slime). If a Pacific halibut is weighed with the head on or with ice and slime, the required conversion factors for calculating net weight are a 2 percent deduction for ice and slime and a 10 percent deduction for the head.

The IPHC recommended an overall fishing period (season) of 15 March – 14 November 2019 for all commercial Pacific fisheries in Canada and the USA. In IPHC Regulatory Area 2A, the tribal commercial fisheries and the incidental Pacific halibut fisheries will occur within these dates, and the non-tribal directed commercial fishery will consist of 10-hour derby fishing periods, including but not limited to 26 June, 10 July, 24 July, 7 August, 21 August, 4 September, and 18 September. 

In accordance with the Convention^[1], the fishery regulations approved by the IPHC, including fishery limits and fishing periods, will be recommended to the Contracting Parties for implementation according to their domestic law and regulation.    

A subsequent IPHC News Release will provide more details of the 95^th Annual Meeting, including the meeting report, regulatory changes, and other actions taken by the IPHC.                                       

ONGOING SUBSCRIPTION TO IPHC NEWS RELEASES

Dear Reader: The IPHC is moving towards fully electronic information distribution. As such, if you would like to continue to receive IPHC news in the future, please click the following link to subscribe to electronic communications: https://www.iphc.int/form/news-letter. Hard copies of news releases and other bulletins will cease in early 2019.                                                                                  

---

^[1] The Convention between Canada and the United States of America for the Preservation of the [Pacific] Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea.

David T. Wilson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, IPHC
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.int

18 March 2019   

IPHC NEWS RELEASE 2019-006

OPEN CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST:

IPHC MANAGEMENT STRATEGY EVALUATION BOARD MEMBERSHIP

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from persons seeking to serve as members of its Management Strategy Advisory Board (MSAB).

The MSAB currently meets twice each year, in May and October, for 4 days each. MSAB members serve without compensation from the Commission, although travel expenses to meetings of the MSAB, and associated per diem, are fully paid for non-government members.

The primary role of the MSAB is to advise the Commission on the Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) process. MSE is a stakeholder-informed, scientifically driven process supporting the development of a revised IPHC harvest strategy policy. The primary objectives of the MSAB, as described in Appendix V of the IPHC Rules of Procedure (2019), are as follows:

1. define clear measurable objectives and performance measures for the fishery;
2. define candidate management strategies, which include aspects of the fishery that can be managed (e.g. regulatory requirements); and
3. advise the IPHC Secretariat about plausible scenarios for investigation, which include aspects of the fishery that cannot be managed by the IPHC (e.g. environmental conditions and removals under the management authority of a domestic management agency).
4. Gather and clearly articulate the interests and concerns of constituents and incorporate them into the MSAB’s discussions;
5. Encourage and allow members to test tentative ideas and exploratory suggestions without prejudice to future discussions;
6. Represent information, views, and outcomes of the MSAB discussions to external parties accurately and appropriately;
7. Encourage the understanding and support of their constituencies for the MSAB process and for consensus positions developed by MSAB.

To perform these duties, the MSAB includes the following interests: harvesters (commercial, sport, and subsistence), fisheries managers, processors, IPHC Secretariat staff, science advisors, and other experts as required. Efforts are made to ensure representation is distributed from throughout the IPHC Regulatory Areas. The term of MSAB members is four years, and members may serve additional terms at the discretion of the IPHC.

Expressions of interest are invited for the following eight (8) vacancies:

1. Harvesters: Commercial fisheries – 2 x Canada; 1 x USA
2. First Nations/Tribal fisheries: 1 x First Nations (Canada)
3. Processors: 1 x Canada
4. Recreational/Sport fisheries: 2 x recreational (Canada); 1 x Alaska recreational (USA)

EOI format:

1. MSAB vacancy (sector and country)
2. Full name
3. Contact information
4. Supporting documentation (letters of support from relevant Sector)

EOIs must be received by the IPHC Secretariat via email at secretariat@iphc.int no later than the close of business on 12 April 2019.

The Commission is expected to make an intersessional decision on membership in time for any new members to be able to participate in the next MSAB meeting, scheduled for 6-9 May 2019.

Questions may be directed to the IPHC Secretariat at secretariat@iphc.int.

Current Board members (listed on the IPHC website at https://www.iphc.int/the-commission/structure-of-the-commission) are also available to discuss the MSAB and the MSE process.

ONGOING SUBSCRIPTION TO IPHC NEWS RELEASES

Dear Reader: The IPHC is moving towards fully electronic information distribution. As such, if you would like to continue to receive IPHC news in the future, please click the following link to subscribe to electronic communications: https://www.iphc.int/form/news-letter. Hard copies of news releases and other bulletins will cease in early 2019.  

– END –

David T. Wilson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, IPHC
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.int

21 March 2019

IPHC NEWS RELEASE 2019-007

IPHC NOTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL PACIFIC HALIBUT SALES IN 2019,

 SEEKING BUYERS INTERESTED IN RESEARCH FISH SALES

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) will be conducting its annual Fishery-Independent Setline Survey (FISS) operations off Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska during the 2019 fishing period and will be selling Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) caught and sampled during these operations to offset costs associated with conducting the research, in accordance with The Convention between Canada and the United States of America for the preservation of the [Pacific] halibut fishery of the Northern Pacific ocean and Bering sea (Article III, paragraph 2).

This news release is intended to notify processors of the IPHC plan to sell fish and to update lists of interested buyers in ports where IPHC-chartered vessels will offload catch. 

Approximately 15 vessels will be involved in the FISS, with landings between early June and early September. Average trip offload weight for Pacific halibut will range 4,500-33,000 lbs (~2-15 mt), plus lesser amounts of rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and Pacific cod (Gadus microcephalus). The condition of fish prior to each landing will be communicated in the individual sales announcement.

Sales will be awarded based on the IPHC’s objectives of achieving a fair market price. Sale agreements will be based on prices at the time of the sale. The IPHC will not enter into any consignment or profit-sharing arrangements. The IPHC plans to contact interested Pacific halibut buyers prior to each landing. Preference will be given to buyers following ethical business practices. In awarding sales, the IPHC will consider: (1) price; (2) how fish are graded at the dock, including the determination of No. 2 Pacific halibut and chalky flesh; and (3) promptness in settlements following deliveries. Obtaining a fair market price will be the primary consideration in awarding fish sales. The IPHC will also attempt to distribute sales among as many qualified buyers as possible, subject to fair market value. For deliveries in Washington and Oregon, fish from all offloads may be awarded to a single buyer.                                                                                                          

All buyers interested in purchasing IPHC caught fish in 2019 should complete the attached Interested Buyer Form and mail, fax, or email it to the IPHC Secretariat at secretariat@iphc.int before 1 May 2019.  It may be easier for you to complete this form on our website (Search: “Buyer Form” or visit https://www.iphc.int/form/interested-buyer-contact-info). Replying to this news release will ensure you are kept informed of purchasing opportunities throughout our field season.  For further information, please contact Eric Soderlund at (206) 552-7678 or via email at secretariat@iphc.int.

ONGOING SUBSCRIPTION TO IPHC NEWS RELEASES

Dear Reader: The IPHC is moving towards fully electronic information distribution. As such, if you would like to continue to receive IPHC news in the future, please click the following link to subscribe to electronic communications: https://www.iphc.int/form/news-letter. Hard copies of news releases and other bulletins will cease in early 2019.  

David T. Wilson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, IPHC
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.int

21 March 2019   

IPHC NEWS RELEASE 2019-008

OPEN CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST:

IPHC SCIENTIFIC REVIEW BOARD MEMBERSHIP

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from quantitative scientists seeking to serve as members of its Scientific Review Board (SRB).

The duties of the SRB are as follows:

1. Provide an independent scientific peer review of Commission science/research proposals, programs, and products, including but not limited to:
   1. Data collection
   2. Historical data sets
   3. Stock assessment
   4. Management Strategy Evaluation
   5. Migration
   6. Reproduction
   7. Growth
   8. Discard survival
   9. Genetics and Genomics 
2. Undertake periodic reviews of science/research strategy, progress, and overall performance.
3. Review the recommendations arising from the IPHC’s Management Strategy Advisory Board (MSAB) and the Research Advisory Board (RAB).

The SRB meets twice each year at the IPHC headquarters office in Seattle, WA, USA. These meetings are scheduled three years in advance, and members are expected to attend all meetings except under exceptional circumstances. The SRB may also meet on an ad hoc basis at other times and places, or via electronic means, to consider specific issues or to produce specific documents or other products. One SRB member may also be requested to present summaries of recent reports at the IPHC’s Interim and Annual Meetings.

The term for SRB membership is two years. There is no limit to how many terms an SRB member may serve, but members are appointed and serve at the discretion of the Commission. The Commission covers travel expenses (airfares, meals and incidentals, etc.) for SRB meetings and provides an honorarium of US$600/day for preparation and participation in the SRB for non-governmental employees.

SRB membership is based on demonstrated professional qualifications and experience. Subject matter experts are drawn from various scientific disciplines including quantitative fisheries stock assessment, population dynamics, theoretical and applied ecological modelling, management strategy evaluation, science-management communication, the development of large-scale biological research programs, and other topics as may arise to address the IPHC’s needs. In some cases, specific temporary participation may be requested for review of material outside the current membership’s realm of expertise, or to provide additional external peer review.

At present, the IPHC seeks a qualified individual with expertise in quantitative fisheries stock assessment science, potentially including:

1. Preparation and analysis of complex fishery data sets,
2. Analysis of fishery-independent surveys, particularly those based on longline gear,
3. Spatial modelling and index standardization,
4. Maximum likelihood methods,
5. Bayesian methods,
6. Multi-model inference,
7. Other relevant skills.

EOIs from qualified individuals are invited for this opening, and should include:

1. Full name
2. Contact information
3. Detailed CV
4. Copies of at least 5 relevant journal articles
5. Three professional references (with contact information)
6. Supporting documentation (letters of support)

EOIs must be received by the IPHC Secretariat via email at secretariat@iphc.int no later than the close of business on 15 April 2019.

The Commission is expected to make an intersessional decision on membership. Any new members should be available to participate in the next SRB meeting (SRB014), scheduled for 26-28 June 2019 in Seattle.

Questions may be directed to the IPHC Secretariat at secretariat@iphc.int.

ONGOING SUBSCRIPTION TO IPHC NEWS RELEASES

Dear Reader: The IPHC is moving towards fully electronic information distribution. As such, if you would like to continue to receive IPHC news in the future, please click the following link to subscribe to electronic communications: https://www.iphc.int/form/news-letter. Hard copies of news releases and other bulletins will cease in early 2019.  

Note that this news release is being circulated only electronically and not in print.

– END –

David T. Wilson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, IPHC
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.int

2 May 2019

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) has established fishing period limits for the 26 June 2019 and 10 July 2019 fishing periods for the non-tribal directed commercial fishery (the fishery) in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A. The overall allocation for this fishery for 2019 is 254,426 pounds; 115.41 metric tons.

Note that the IPHC does not intend to establish fishing period limits for the 27 June 2019 fishing period listed in the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations (2019), and thus the fishery will not be open that day. The decision not to open on 27 June was informed by the response to a survey of fishery license holders conducted by the IPHC during April 2019.

The 26 June and 10 July fishing periods will each begin at 08:00 hrs and end at 18:00 hrs Pacific Daylight Time. The fishery is restricted to waters south of Point Chehalis, Washington (46°53.30’ N. latitude). A total of 176 fishery licenses have been issued thus far for 2019, with 14 more applications currently being processed. Fishing period limits as indicated in the following table will be in effect for each of these two fishing periods:

Vessel Class			Fishing period catch limit
Length	Letter	Number of licenses for 2019*	Dressed, head-on with ice/slime (pounds)	Dressed, head-on with ice/slime (metric tons)
0-25	A	16	4,525	2.05
26-30	B	11	4,525	2.05
31-35	C	18	4,525	2.05
36-40	D	36	6,820	3.09
41-45	E	29	6,820	3.09
46-50	F	31	9,090	4.12
51-55	G	10	9,090	4.12
56+	H	25	10,225	4.64

* As of 2 May 2019. Note there are 14 license applications still to be processed.

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-on weight, and fishers are reminded that regulations require that all Pacific halibut be landed with the head naturally attached. Additionally, fishers are reminded that there is a 72-hour rule, whereby a vessel that will be used in the fishery may not be used to fish for any species of fish anywhere in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A during the 72-hour period immediately before the non-tribal directed commercial fishing period unless all catch of other species has been completely offloaded or the vessel has submitted to a hold inspection by an authorized officer prior to the start of the fishing period (see Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations 2019, sections 20(7) and 20(8)).

NOAA Fisheries 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, please refer to their webpage: http://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries/management/groundfish_closures/groundfish_closed_areas.html. For further information, call the NOAA Fisheries hotline at 1 800-662-9825, then press “7” for the Pacific halibut fisheries.

Following the 10 July 2019 fishing period, the IPHC may establish and announce fishing period limits for subsequent fishing periods in 2019, dependent upon allocation remaining for the fishery.

ONGOING SUBSCRIPTION TO IPHC NEWS RELEASES

Dear Reader: The IPHC is moving towards fully electronic information distribution. As such, if you would like to continue to receive IPHC news in the future, please click the following link to subscribe to electronic communications: https://www.iphc.int/form/news-letter. Hard copies of news releases and other bulletins will cease in 2019.

– END –

David T. Wilson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, IPHC
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.int

29 May 2019

Closed: Columbia River (WDFW Marine Area 1, ODFW Columbia River Sub-area) all-depth Pacific halibut recreational fishery. The all-depth quota for the Columbia River subarea (Washington and Oregon combined) is projected to have been attained as of Sunday, 26 May 2019. No quota remains for additional open days. As a result the Columbia River all-depth Pacific halibut recreational fishery will close Wednesday, 29 May 2019 at 2359 hours. This fishery will then be closed for the remainder of 2019.

For more information on these updates please refer to:

Washington: Department of Fish and Wildlife website:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/halibut/columbia-river

Oregon: Department of Fish and Wildlife website:
https://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/finfish/halibut/management.asp

Updates on Pacific halibut fishing opportunities are available at the NOAA Fisheries hotline (1-800-662-9825)

Due to the short notice nature of this notification, it is posted to our website only, and no paper copy has been mailed out.

ONGOING SUBSCRIPTION TO IPHC NEWS RELEASES

Dear Reader: The IPHC is moving towards fully electronic information distribution. As such, if you would like to continue to receive IPHC news in the future, please click the following link to subscribe to electronic communications: https://www.iphc.int/form/news-letter. Hard copies of news releases and other bulletins will cease in 2019.

– END –

David T. Wilson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, IPHC
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.int

3 June 2019   

IPHC NEWS RELEASE 2019-011

RECREATIONAL FISHERY OPENINGS IN IPHC REGULATORY AREA 2A: 

COLUMBIA RIVER SUBAREA

Opened: Columbia River (WDFW Marine Area 1, ODFW Columbia River Subarea) all-depth and nearshore Pacific halibut recreational fishery. The quota for the Columbia River Subarea all-depth Pacific halibut fishery had been reached following the opener on 26 May 2019. However, there is enough Pacific halibut quota remaining in the Pacific halibut recreational fisheries in other subareas to allow for more fishing opportunities, and the Columbia River Subarea all-depth fishery will benefit with one more day of Pacific halibut fishing, on 20 June 2019. Additionally, the Columbia River Subarea nearshore fishery will be open seven days per week beginning Thursday, 6 June 2019, until the quota is caught, or 30 September, whichever comes first. Please note that when the all-depth fishery is open on 20 June 2019, all-depth regulations apply throughout the Columbia River Subarea regardless of what depth is fished.

For more information on these updates please refer to:

Washington: Department of Fish and Wildlife website:

https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/halibut/columbia-river

Oregon: Department of Fish and Wildlife website:

https://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/finfish/halibut/management.asp

Updates on Pacific halibut fishing opportunities are available at the NOAA Fisheries hotline (1-800-662-9825)

Due to the short notice nature of this notification, it is posted to our website only, and no paper copy has been mailed out.

ONGOING SUBSCRIPTION TO IPHC NEWS RELEASES

Dear Reader: The IPHC is moving towards fully electronic information distribution. As such, if you would like to continue to receive IPHC news in the future, please click the following link to subscribe to electronic communications: https://www.iphc.int/form/news-letter. Hard copies of news releases and other bulletins will cease on 15 August 2019.  

– END –

David T. Wilson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, IPHC
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.int

26 June 2019   

IPHC NEWS RELEASE 2019-013

RECREATIONAL FISHERY OPENINGS

IN IPHC REGULATORY AREA 2A: 

WASHINGTON SUBAREAS AND THE COLUMBIA RIVER SEBAREA FOR OREGON

Opening: Washington Subareas (WDFW Marine Area 1 through 10) Pacific halibut recreational fishery. In addition to the days that are already scheduled, recreational fishing for Pacific halibut will be open in the Washington Subareas (Columbia River, South Coast, North Coast and Puget Sound) on 28 June 2019. Fishing days have been added in response to the higher than anticipated fishery limit and poor weather days.

Opening: Oregon Columbia River Subarea (ODFW Columbia River Subarea) Pacific halibut recreational fishery. The Columbia River Subarea in Oregon will also be open for recreational fishing for Pacific halibut on 28 June 2019.

For more information on these updates please refer to:

Washington: Department of Fish and Wildlife website:

https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=2356

Oregon: Department of Fish and Wildlife website:

https://www.dfw.state.or.us/MRP/finfish/halibut/management.asp

Updates on Pacific halibut fishing opportunities are available at the NOAA Fisheries hotline (1-800-662-9825)

Due to the short notice nature of this notification, it is posted to our website only, and no paper copy has been mailed out.

ONGOING SUBSCRIPTION TO IPHC NEWS RELEASES

Dear Reader: The IPHC is moving towards fully electronic information distribution. As such, if you would like to continue to receive IPHC news in the future, please click the following link to subscribe to electronic communications: https://www.iphc.int/form/news-letter. Hard copies of news releases and other bulletins will cease on 1 August 2019.  

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David T. Wilson, Ph.D.
Executive Director, IPHC
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax:     (206) 632-2983
Web:  www.iphc.int