9 March 2023
SEATTLE – The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) will be conducting its annual fishery-independent setline survey (FISS) this year. The FISS will be conducted off the coast of Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska during the 2023 fishing period. IPHC will be selling Pacific halibut caught and sampled during these operations to offset the 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 media release is intended to notify processors of the IPHC’s plan to sell fish and to update lists of interested buyers in ports where IPHC-chartered vessels will offload catch.
A total of 9-12 vessels will be involved in the IPHC FISS, with landings between early June and early September. Average trip poundage for Pacific halibut ranges from 5,000 to 35,000 pounds, plus lesser amounts of rockfish (Sebastes spp.) and Pacific cod. Please note that IPHC will also be selling U32 Pacific halibut that have been sampled during the FISS. The condition of fish prior to each landing will be communicated in the individual sales announcement. As an update to our fish sales protocols for 2023, all applicable tax deductions must be listed on the bid with exact rates shown.
Sales will be awarded based on the IPHC’s objectives of achieving a fair market price. Sales 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, 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.
All buyers (including those with past IPHC sales history) interested in purchasing IPHC FISS fish in 2023 should complete the Interested Buyer Form.
Replying to this media release will ensure you are kept informed of purchasing opportunities throughout our field season. For further information, please contact IPHC Secretariat at (206) 634-1838 or via email at Secretariat@iphc.int.
IPHC Secretariat
International Pacific Halibut Commission
2320 W. Commodore Way, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98199-1287
206-634-1838 | www.iphc.int
