February 17, 1995CHARTER OPPORTUNITY
The International Pacific Halibut Commission plans to charter a number of vessels for
work in 1995. In this notice we are requesting bids for three different charters. All
charters are designed as systematic setline surveys in the Gulf of Alaska (3A), British
Columbia (2B), and Pacific Northwest Coast (2A/2B). These charters will last approximately
38 to 61 days each, dependent upon the charter.
| Charter Purpose |
Area of Operation |
Length of Charter |
Days of Fishing |
Suggested Period of Operation |
| Stock Assessment |
3A |
41-46 days |
32 days |
June-August |
| Stock Assessment |
2B |
38-42-days |
30 days |
June-August |
| Stock Assessment |
2A/2B |
54-61 days |
40 days |
August-September |
For all charters, the captains and crew must be qualified setline
fishermen, preferably with knowledge of the local fishing grounds. The charter vessels
must be seaworthy, fully equipped for setline fishing and have suitable accommodations for
three Commission employees (possibly including women) in addition to a 5- or 6-man crew
(4- or 5-man crew in Area 2A/2B). The vessels will fish conventional fixed-hook setline
gear with circle hooks and preferably 1800 foot skates with hook spacing of 18 foot to be
supplied by the vessel. Typical work day length is 16 to 18 hours with possible overnight
runs between stations. All charters will preferably begin and end in the region of
operation. The primary purpose of the surveys is to collect standardized data for stock
assessment. Information such as age, sex, length, location, and CPUE will be collected
from all halibut during the survey and legal sized fish will be iced for sale.
In the Area 3A and 2B charters the vessels are expected to set and haul 20 skates per
day arranged into 4 sets based on IPHC historic grid stations. Area 3A stations are
arranged between Cape Cleare and Cape Sitkinak. Area 2B stations are north of Cape Scott
to the 2B/2C IPHC regulatory line. Preference may be given for vessels available for
charter in late July to the end of August in Area 2B.
The Area 2A/2B charter must be conducted in early August to late September. The vessel
will fish at randomized station locations from the Oregon/California border to Cape Scott,
British Columbia based on halibut habitat area for use in stock differentiation. The
vessel on this charter is expected to set and haul 18 skates per day arranged into 3 sets.
For Area 2A/2B multiple vessels may be necessary to complete the charter.
Providing Bids for Charter: The Commission is not restricted as to
nationality of the vessels it charters for operation in any area. The Commission will not
be obligated to accept the lowest of any bid received, but will contract according to its
best interests. A United States registered vessel may be required to pass a limited Coast
Guard inspection prior to award of contract. Canadian vessels must possess a Ministry of
Transportation certificate (Canada Steamboat Inspection Certificate).
Interested owners should contact the International Pacific Halibut Commission for further
information on charter specifications and to obtain tender forms. Owners may bid for all
or part of the survey trips and should indicate preferred date(s) for each trip. Bids may
include daily charter rates and/or part of the proceeds from the sale of fish. Sealed
tenders must be received at the Commission's office in Seattle not later than 4:15 p.m.
March 27, 1995.
-END-
Dr. Donald A. McCaughran, Director
Phone: (206) 634-1838, FAX: (206) 632-2983
