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IPHC Media Release 2022-011 Non-Treaty Directed Commercial Fishery in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A: Fishing Period Limits for Third (26 to 28 July 2022) Fishing Period

21 July 2022

SEATTLE – The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) has established the fishing period limits for all licensed vessels for the third (26 to 28 July 2022) fishing period for the non-treaty directed commercial fishery (the fishery) in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A. The overall annual allocation for this fishery in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A for 2022 is 114.64 metric tons (252,730 pounds).

2022 Fishery statistics:

  • An estimated total of 39 tonnes (86,000 pounds) were landed during the first (28 to 30 June 2022) fishing period.
  • An estimated total of 35 tonnes (78,000 pounds) were landed during the second (12 to 14 July 2022) fishing period.
  • An estimated total of 39 tonnes (86,000 pounds) remain to be caught.

The IPHC has determined that a third fishing period will be held on 26 to 28 July 2022 with fishing period limits by vessel class listed below. The third fishing period will begin at 0800 on 26 July 2022 and end at 1800 on 28 July 2022 local time. The fishery is restricted to waters south of Point Chehalis, Washington (46°53.30’ N. latitude). The following fishing period limits will be in effect for this fishing period by vessel class:

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The fishing period landing 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 landing limit above is a dressed, head-on weight, and stakeholders are reminded that regulations require that all Pacific halibut be landed with the head naturally attached. Additionally, stakeholders are reminded that there is a 72-hour rule, whereby a vessel that will be used in this fishery may not be used to fish for any species of fish anywhere in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A during the 72-hour period immediately prior to this fishing period unless all retained 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 International Pacific Halibut Commission Fishery Regulations 2022, sections 18(7) and 18(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 26 to 28 July fishing period, the IPHC may establish and announce fishing period landing limits for subsequent fishing periods in 2022, dependent upon allocation remaining for the fishery.

IPHC Secretariat
International Pacific Halibut Commission
2320 W. Commodore Way, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98199-1287
206-634-1838 | www.iphc.int
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