Research & Monitoring

Research & Monitoring

The science and research activities conducted by the IPHC are directed towards fulfilling the following continuing objectives of the Commission: i) improving the annual stock assessment and quota recommendations; ii) developing information on current management issues; and iii) contributing to improve the knowledge of the biology and life history of Pacific halibut.

Document Title PDF Availability
IPHC–2022-5YPIRM International Pacific Halibut Commission 5-Year program of integrated research and monitoring (2022-26) pdf.gif 5 Aug 2022

Request an IPHC Permit

An IPHC Permit is required to capture or use Pacific halibut for any purpose not included in the Pacific Halibut Fishery Regulations. This includes research or tagging activities by entities other than the IPHC.

An IPHC Permit may be requested using the IPHC Permit Request Form at the link below. All permit requests must be submitted online via this form.

The IPHC Secretariat will respond to the permit request with a letter approving or disapproving the request. If the permit is granted, the letter will include the terms and restrictions accompanying the permit. 

Questions about permits and the permitting process may be directed to secretariat@iphc.int

IPHC Permit Request Form

IPHC Permits Issued

Tagging

Since the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) began tagging in 1925, over 465,000 tagged Pacific halibut have been released and more than 51,000 of these releases have been recovered. Pacific halibut are tagged to study migration, age, growth, and mortality. A reward is offered for recovered tags released by the IPHC.  You can learn more about tagging Pacific halibut on our Migration page under Science and Research. Please follow the process outlined on our Tag Recovery and Reward page to claim your reward.  

 

Biological and Ecosystem Science Research

Biological and Ecosystem Science Research

Since its inception, the IPHC has had a long history of research activities devoted to describe and understand the biology of the Pacific halibut.

View Biological and Ecosystem Science Research
Pacific Halibut Length-Weight Relationships

Pacific Halibut Length-Weight Relationships

View Pacific Halibut Length-Weight Relationships
Economic Research

Economic Research

The goal of the IPHC economic study is to provide stakeholders with an accurate and all-sectors-encompassing assessment of the economic impact of the Pacific halibut resource.

View Economic Research
Fishery-Independent Setline Survey (FISS)

Fishery-Independent Setline Survey (FISS)

The IPHC Fishery-Independent Setline Survey (FISS) provides catch information and biological data on Pacific halibut that are independent of the fishery.

View Fishery-Independent Setline Survey (FISS)
Management Strategy Evaluation

Management Strategy Evaluation

Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) is a process to evaluate the consequences of alternative management options, known as harvest strategies.

View Management Strategy Evaluation
Pacific Halibut: Stock Status and Biology

Pacific Halibut: Stock Status and Biology

Overview, description, scientific name, reproduction, development, distribution, migration, age, size, growth, and feeding.

View Pacific Halibut: Stock Status and Biology
Stock Assessment

Stock Assessment

The IPHC conducts an annual stock assessment, using data from the fishery independent setline survey, the commercial Pacific halibut and other fisheries, as well biological information from its research program.

View Stock Assessment