CHARTER OPPORTUNITY

The International Pacific Halibut Commission plans to charter four longline vessels to conduct halibut research in 1996. In this notice we are requesting bids for four different charters. All charters are designed as systematic setline surveys in the Gulf of Alaska (IPHC Areas 3A and 3B). These charters will last approximately 42 to 50 days each, dependent upon the charter.

For all charters, the vessels must be a minimum registered length of 58 feet and/or 50 net tons. 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 (including women) in addition to a 5- or 6-man crew. The vessels will supply conventional fixed-hook setline gear with circle hooks fixed at 18 foot intervals. A skate length of 1800 foot is preferred. Vessels providing 1500 foot gear will fish 6 instead of 5 skates at each station. 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. There are 116 groups of 4 stations, aligned as triangles with center stations, to be completed in 1996. The triangles cover the grounds from Cape Spencer in the eastern Gulf of Alaska to Cape Lutke on Unimak Island in the western Gulf. Approximately 29 triangles will be assigned to each of four charter areas: Yakutat, Kodiak, Chirikof, and Shumagin. Each vessel is expected to set and haul 20 skates (24 skates if 1500 foot gear) per day arranged into 4 sets at sites preselected by the IPHC, then run overnight to the next day's fishing. Typical fishing day length is 16 to 18 hours from first flag set to last flag aboard with night-time runs between stations. We have found that a vessel must be able to average 8.5 kn in average weather to complete the daily schedule and transit to a new location in a timely manner for the next day's fishing. The charters must be conducted between mid June and mid September.

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. Bids may include daily charter rates and/or part of the proceeds from the sale of fish. The Commission is planning to conduct similar charters in 1997 and 1998, and will consider multi-year bids from vessels interested in a longer term commitment. Sealed tenders must be received at the Commission's office in Seattle not later than 4:15 p.m. March 8, 1996.

-END-