The IPHC is a public international organization and is not restricted by the nationality of candidates.
Early each year the IPHC seeks commercial Pacific halibut fishing vessels to conduct our annual FISS. Vessels need not be licensed for Pacific halibut fishing in Canada or the U.S.A. to be eligible. The IPHC is not restricted as to nationality of the vessels it charters for operation in any region as long as customs and immigration regulations are followed. The IPHC will consider only those vessels with captains and crews that have recent (within 5 years) Pacific halibut fishing experience. Most areas require vessels that have adequate deck space and suitable accommodations for two to three IPHC employees. For more information on submitting tenders for the IPHC’s FISS work, visit Vessel Recruiting.
The IPHC typically employs 25-30 seasonal Setline Survey Specialists (SSS) to work on the Fishery-Independent Setline Survey running annually from late May through early September. Generally, two to three setline survey specialists are deployed on each vessel. They work as a team collecting a suite of biological and oceanographic data used to manage and monitor the Pacific halibut fishery. To learn more, visit Working as a Setline Survey Specialist.
Pacific halibut sampled on FISS trips are sold at the end of each trip and proceeds are used to offset the cost of conducting the FISS. To be alerted to upcoming fish-buying opportunities, please complete the Interested Buyer’s Form.
Every year the International Pacific Halibut Commission acquires bait for our Fishery-Independent Setline Survey. Due to the scientific nature of the study, IPHC bait quality requirements and standardization exceed those normally provided by industry as bait chums. The IPHC will consider quantity offered, size, quality, price per pound, and preseason storage location when making purchases. To learn more about IPHC’s bait specifications please review Chapter 3 of the International Pacific Halibut Commission Fishery-Independent Setline Survey Sampling Manual (2021).
The IPHC Internship Program is designed to give undergraduate students and recent 4-year college graduates exposure to a wide variety of tasks associated with the management of an international fisheries resource. Each intern is assigned a specific research project (chosen by the Secretariat) which they execute. The intern works closely with a supervisor to ensure continuing progress toward work goals and with other Secretariat members on the various tasks assigned.
For information on past and current recipients please visit the IPHC Merit Scholarship Recipients page.
