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:

SEATTLE – The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) will initially require up to 72.39 metric tons (159,600 pounds) of chum salmon for the 2026 Fishery-Independent Setline Survey (FISS). 28.30 metric tons (62,400 pounds) are needed in Canada and 44.09 metric tons (97,200 pounds) are needed in the United States.

Due to the scientific nature of the study, IPHC quality requirements and standardization exceed those normally provided by industry as bait chum.

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.
• Fish may be inspected by the IPHC Secretariat prior to purchase to ensure that the flesh is firm and has been processed in a manner that maintains the required quality.
• Fish 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. Also, the labeling of totes as IPHC specific product before shipment is preferred.
• Must have been caught and processed no earlier than June 2025.

The IPHC will consider quantity offered, size, quality, price and preseason storage or supply location when making purchases. To be included in initial purchase negotiations, complete the information on the second page of this announcement and submit it to the IPHC Secretariat via e-mail: secretariat@iphc.int by 11:59pm Pacific Time on 17 August 2025. Purchase agreements will be released to the parties by 1 September 2025. 

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. This will assist the IPHC in determining possible in-season purchases.

If you would like to be included in purchase negotiations, please complete the following table: