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IPHC Media Release 2020-022 Non-Tribal Directed Commercial Fishery in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A: Fishing Period Limits for Fourth (3 to 5 Aug 2020) Fishing Period

28 July 2020

SEATTLE – The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) has re-established the fishing period limits for all licensed vessels for the fourth (3 to 5 August 2020) fishing period for the non-tribal directed commercial fishery (the fishery) in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A. 2020 Fishery statistics:

  • The 2020 total allocation for this fishery is 115.41 metric tonnes (254,426 pounds).
  • An estimated total of 21 tonnes (45,000 pounds) were landed during the first (22 to 24 June 2020) fishing period.
  • An estimated total of 27 tonnes (59,000 pounds) were landed during the second (6 to 8 July 2020) fishing period.
  • An estimated total of 21 tonnes (46,000 pounds) were landed during the third (20 to 22 July 2020) fishing period.
  • An estimated total of 47 tonnes (104,000 pounds) remain to be landed.

The IPHC has determined that a fourth fishing period on 3 to 5 Aug 2020 is feasible with fishing period limits by vessel class listed below. The fourth fishing period will begin at 0800 on 3 Aug 2020 and end at 1800 on 5 Aug 2020 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:tablemr2020-022.png

The fishing period 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 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 Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations 2020, 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 this 2020 fishing period (3 to 5 August), the IPHC may establish and announce fishing period limits for subsequent fishing periods in 2020, 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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