IPHC News Release 2019-007 IPHC Notification of Potential Pacific Halibut Sales in 2019, Seeking Buyers Interested in Research Fish Sales

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