The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) invites the public and industry to submit statements concerning regulatory (season length, clearances in Area 4, logbook reporting requirements, etc) or administrative issues to the IPHC for inclusion at the 2009 IPHC Annual Meeting. Blank submission forms are available through the IPHC office or from this web page. All completed submissions that are received (or postmarked) by the deadline will be included at the Annual Meeting. Proposals will be posted on the IPHC homepage (www.iphc.washington.edu) and copies will also be available by mail or fax by calling the IPHC offices (206-634-1838).

Please be aware that the IPHC regulates only the catch limits by IPHC Regulatory Area and not by fishery (commercial or sport). Internal allocation issues (quota distribution for example) are handled domestically and should be addressed to the respective government agencies.

Due to the need for adequate public review prior to the IPHC Annual Meeting, the deadline for regulatory proposals is October 31, 2008. All forms and supporting material must be postmarked or received at the IPHC office by the submission date. Proposals received after the deadline may not be reviewed and considered at the Annual Meeting.

Instructions for submission:

Please fill out all areas of the form. Remember to complete the name and contact information section and sign the proposal. If additional space is needed to answer one or more of the questions please attach additional sheets.

1. Definition and objective of the proposal – Explain briefly the IPHC regulation or administrative issue being addressed. List the changes that you are suggesting and why they are requested. e.g. How does this affect the IPHC regulations regarding seasons, size limits, gear, or reporting and landing requirements? Or, How would the proposal work and what does it change?

2. Regulatory impacts – Outline the possible effects that your proposed change will have on the industry – both positive and negative. Please include the effects on the fishers (commercial, sport, etc.), processors, public, other government agencies and the resource (the fishery). Who (and what) does this impact – both good and bad?

3. Other solutions – Describe any other possible solutions and why you are choosing an IPHC regulation change. What other solutions are there and why should the halibut regulations be changed rather than another solution?

Submit the proposal and any supporting documents to the IPHC by October 31, 2008 via: