May 1, 1997

The International Pacific Halibut Commission will be conducting research aboard longline vessels in Alaska and British Columbia from June through August, 1997. Area, vessel, approximate dates, and expected ports for halibut sales are provided below:

The Commission’s policy for fish sales is to provide as much opportunity as possible for all buyers to participate in IPHC fish sales while at the same time assuring that each operation is completed in a timely and efficient manner. Landing ports are chosen based on logistical considerations for both the vessel and the Commission, including proximity to the survey area and the availability of services such as ice, bait, and fuel. Whenever possible, Alaska fish sales will be handled through the Seattle Fish Exchange. Interested buyers should contact Bob Alverson at Fisherman's Terminal, C-3 Building, Room 232, Seattle, Washington, 98119 or call (206) 284-4720. Direct fish sales will be made in ports where there are insufficient buyers to operate the exchange. Oregon, Washington and British Columbia fish sales will be handled through the IPHC office, except for fish sold in Seattle. Interested buyers should contact Gerry Lariviere or Cynthia Doyer at P.O. Box 95009, Seattle, Washington 98145-2009; Phone: (206) 634-1838 ext. 204 or ext. 205, or FAX: (206) 632-2983.

The amount of halibut sold will vary with each operation. Landings in Alaska usually involve 20,000 to 40,000 pounds of halibut. Lesser amounts of sablefish and rockfish taken as bycatch are also landed. Landings in British Columbia tend to be smaller, often 10,000 to 20,000 pounds of halibut and several thousand pounds of rockfish. Sablefish bycatch from British Columbia is not landed. Oregon and Washington landings will likely be less than 5,000 pounds with small amounts of rockfish.

The IPHC is committed to delivering a top quality product from the charters. All trips will be limited to eight fishing days, and in the event that trips exceed five days, a separate hail weight for fish older than 5 days will be provided to prospective buyers at the time of sale. The IPHC staff has developed a "quality check list" to assist the buyer and the staff in monitoring quality at the time of unloading. This form must be completed by the buyer or their agent at the time of unloading.