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Non-Directed Commercial Discard Mortality

Pacific halibut are captured in large numbers by vessels fishing for other species, primarily using trawl, pot, and longline gear that are targeting groundfish. Not all Pacific halibut caught will die from the injuries if the fish are returned to the sea (discarded) in a careful and timely manner. In many areas, observers work onboard groundfish vessels and gather information regarding the amount of Pacific halibut incidentally caught and the condition of those Pacific halibut at release. From these data, the IPHC is able to estimate both the total amount of Pacific halibut caught and discarded in each fishery, and the discard mortality rate, or percentage that subsequently die. Many Pacific halibut captured as bycatch are below the commercial minimum size limit of 32 inches (81.3 cm) fork length, especially in the Bering Sea. Because Pacific halibut are migratory, incidental catches of juveniles in one area will have a potential effect on the future abundance in other areas.

The IPHC regulates which gear types can legally retain Pacific halibut. The IPHC regularly makes policy recommendations to its member governments and assists in designing and analyzing bycatch reduction measures.

Time-series of non-directed commercial discard mortality estimates can be found in the IPHC data library.

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In this Section

Subsistence Fisheries

Recreational Fisheries

Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS)

Fishery Regulations

Commercial Fisheries

In this Section

Subsistence Fisheries

Pacific halibut were fished historically by the indigenous peoples inhabiting

Recreational Fisheries

The recreational fishery for Pacific halibut had a slow beginning.

Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS)

Article II of the IPHC Convention states that each Contracting

Fishery Regulations

International Pacific Halibut Commission Fishery Regulations (2024) (05 February 2024) The IPHC