30 June 2021
SEATTLE – The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) has re-established the fishing period limits for all licensed vessels for the second (6 to 8 July 2021) fishing period for the non-tribal directed commercial fishery (the fishery) in IPHC Regulatory Area 2A.
2021 Fishery statistics:
- The 2021 total allocation for this fishery is 116.17 metric tonnes (256,122 pounds).
- An estimated total of 37 tonnes (81,000 pounds) were landed during the first (22 to 24 June 2021) fishing period.
- An estimated total of 79 tonnes (174,000 pounds) remain to be caught.
The IPHC has determined that a second fishing period will be held on 6 to 8 July 2021 with fishing period limits by vessel class listed below. The second fishing period will begin at 0800 on 6 July 2021 and end at 1800 on 8 July 2021 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:
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 International Pacific Halibut Commission Fishery Regulations 2021, 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 2021 fishing period (6 to 8 July), the IPHC may establish and announce fishing period limits for subsequent fishing periods in 2021, 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
