The catch off Alaska represents 38% of the 2008
catch limit. For comparison, 21.5 million pounds, or 41% of the
2007 catch limit, were landed in the Alaskan fishery between March
10 and June 18, 2007.
The catch from British Columbian waters
represents 44% of the 2008 catch limit. For comparison, 5.2
million pounds, or 51% of the 2007 catch limit, were landed from
Area 2B between March 10 and June 18, 2007.
Oregon Central Coast Sport Halibut
Fishery
The preliminary catch for the Oregon Central Coast sport
halibut fishery (Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt.) through June 14 is
77,825 pounds, leaving 81,752 pounds to be harvested. Therefore,
the fishery will re-open Thursday through Saturday, June 26
through June 28. The catch from that fishing period will be
evaluated on July 3.
Area 2A Commercial Tribal Fisheries
In 2008, the Pacific Fishery Management Council allocated
397,000 pounds of halibut for commercial use to the Treaty Indian
tribes of Area 2A-1. As of the beginning of May, the Treaty tribes
have landed a total harvest of 424,123 pounds of halibut, 27,123
pounds over the allocated poundage. The separately managed and
restricted fisheries are now closed for the remainder of the 2008
season.
Incidental Commercial Halibut Catch in
the Area Fixed Gear Sablefish Fishery
The total allowable incidental commercial catch of halibut
allocated to the limited entry, fixed gear sablefish fishery which
operates in Area 2A north of Point Chehalis, Washington is 70,000
pounds. It is estimated that 4,600 pounds have been landed through
May 29. This incidental halibut catch fishery remains open until
further notice. For further incidental fishery retention
information call the NMFS hotline (1-800-662-9825).
Annette Islands Reserve Fishery in Area
2C
The Metlakatla Indian Community has been authorized by the
United States Government to conduct a commercial halibut fishery
within the Annette Islands Reserve. The first 48-hour opening of
the 2008 season occurred between May 9 and May 11 and resulted in
the landing of 1,699 pounds of halibut. A second opening, which
occurred between May 23 and May 25, yielded a catch of 5,974
pounds. A third opening, between June 6 and June 8, saw 7,059
pounds of halibut landed. After three openings, a grand total of
14,732 pounds of halibut have been landed in 2008. The Metlakatla
Indian Community and the Bureau of Indian Affairs will announce
future halibut openings.
- END -
Bruce M. Leaman
Executive Director
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax: (206) 632-2983
Web: www.iphc.washington.edu
