July 11, 1995 1995 Halibut Landing Report No. 9
Incidental Commercial Halibut Catch in the Area 2A Salmon Troll Fishery
The total allowable incidental commercial catch of halibut allocated to the salmon
troll fishery was 16,068 pounds. The salmon troll fishery closed June 30 with an estimated
halibut catch of 1,963 pounds. The remaining catch of 14,105 pounds will be rolled into
the directed commercial catch limit.
Area 2A Non-treaty Commercial Fishery to Reopen on July 18
The July 5 fishing period in Area 2A resulted in a catch of 20,000 pounds, leaving
71,052 pounds in the commercial catch limit. Although 350 commercial licenses were issued
in Area 2A, very few vessels participated in the July 5th opening, resulting in a low
catch. The total catch limit remaining, including the "rolled-over" amount from
the salmon troll fishery, is 85,157 pounds.
Area 2A will reopen on July 18 for 10 hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time. The
fishery is restricted to waters that are south of Point Chehalis, Washington
(46o53'18"N. latitude) under regulations promulgated by National Marine Fisheries
Service. Fishing period limits as indicated in the following table will be in effect for
this opening.
| Vessel Class |
Fishing Period Limit (pounds) |
| Length |
Letter |
dressed, head-on |
dressed, head-off* |
| 0-25 |
A |
225 |
200 |
| 26-30 |
B |
240 |
210 |
| 31-35 |
C |
380 |
335 |
| 36-40 |
D |
1,050 |
925 |
| 41-45 |
E |
1,130 |
995 |
| 46-50 |
F |
1,350 |
1,190 |
| 51-55 |
G |
1,510 |
1,330 |
| 56+ |
H |
2,275 |
2,000 |
*Weights are after 2% has been deducted for ice and slime if fish are
not washed prior to weighing.
The appropriate vessel length class and letter is printed on each halibut license.
The fishing period limit is shown in terms of dressed, head-off weight as well as
dressed, head-on weight, although fishermen are reminded that regulations require that all
halibut from Area 2A be landed with the head on.
The fishing period limit applies to the vessel, not the individual fisherman, and any
landings over the vessel limit will be subject to forfeiture and fine.
Area 2B Commercial Fishery Update
Halibut landings from Area 2B total 5.08 million pounds through July 7, leaving 4.44
million pounds of the catch limit to be caught. The fishery will continue until all IVQs
have been taken, or November 15, whichever is earlier.
Alaskan Commercial Fishery Update
It is estimated that the following catches and numbers of landings were made in the
Alaskan IFQ and Community Development Quota (CDQ) fisheries through July 6, 1995.
| Area |
Catch Limit
(000's pounds) |
Catch
(000's pounds) |
Number of
Landings |
| 2C |
9,000 |
3,747 |
1,208 |
| 3A |
20,000 |
6,747 |
1,146 |
| 3B |
3,700 |
793 |
146 |
| 4A |
1,950 |
494 |
57 |
| 4B |
2,310 |
368 |
35 |
| 4C |
770 |
330 |
296 |
| 4D |
770 |
250 |
22 |
| 4E |
120 |
84 |
323 |
| |
|
|
|
| Total |
38,620 |
12,813 |
3,233 |
Annette Island 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 Island Reserve. Six 48-hour
fishing periods have occurred between May 26 and July 2, producing a total catch of 28,400
pounds.
- END -
Donald A. McCaughran, Director
Phone: (206) 634-1838
