1996 Halibut Landing Report No. 5

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 8,002 pounds. The remaining catch of 8,066 pounds will be rolled into the directed commercial catch limit.

Area 2A Non-treaty Commercial Fishery to Reopen on July 24

The July 10 fishing period in Area 2A resulted in a catch of about 70,000 pounds, leaving 21,052 pounds in the commercial catch limit. The total catch limit remaining, including the "rolled-over" amount from the salmon troll fishery, is 29,118.

Area 2A will reopen on July 24 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 (46^o53'18"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.

*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 5.57 million pounds through July 11, leaving 3.95 million pounds of the catch limit to be caught. The fishery will continue until all IVQs have been filled, or November 15, whichever is earlier.

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 occurred between April 27 and July 7, producing a total catch of 43,837 pounds.

Alaskan Commercial Fishery Update

It is estimated that the following catches and number of landings were made in the Alaskan IFQ and Community Development Quota (CDQ) fisheries through July 10, 1996.

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