Charter Opportunity

The International Pacific Halibut Commission is requesting bids from commercial longline vessels to conduct setline surveys throughout the range of the Pacific Halibut from the Southern Oregon border to the Northern Bering Sea including the Aleutian Islands. These areas have been divided into 20 separate regions encompassing IPHC areas 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. Each region will require approximately 13 to 20 fishing days plus additional days for running, onloading, offloading, foul weather, etc. Vessels may bid to complete up to two of the 20 regions. All survey operations must be completed between June 1^st and August 31^st of 1997.

The purpose of the IPHC setline survey is to collect standardized data used for halibut stock assessment. Information such as age, sex, maturity, length, location, and CPUE will be collected from all halibut during the survey. Legal sized halibut and some bycatch will be retained and sold by the IPHC to cover charter expenses.

Vessels bidding for charter must have a history of commercial halibut fishing and have suitable accommodations for two or three Commission employees (including women) in addition to a 5 or 6 person crew. The vessels will supply conventional fixed-hook setline gear built to Commission specifications as well as all associated equipment normally required for commercial halibut fishing. United States registered vessels may be required to pass a limited Coast Guard inspection prior to award of a contract. Canadian vessels must possess a Ministry of Transportation certificate (Canada Steamboat Inspection Certificate).

The Commission is not restricted as to nationality of the vessels it charters for operation in any area and will not be obligated to accept the lowest bid received, but will contract according to its own best interests. Interested owners must contact the International Pacific Halibut Commission for further information on charter specifications and to obtain tender forms. Bids will be accepted based upon a lump sum payment for the completion of a charter region (not a daily rate), plus 10% of the net halibut sales and 50% of bycatch sales. Sealed tenders must be received at the IPHC office in Seattle no later than 4:15 p.m. on February 14, 1997.

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