We’re Looking For A Few More Good Boats!

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 27 separate regions encompassing IPHC areas 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, and 4D. Each region will require approximately 13 to 22 fishing days plus additional days for running, loading and offloading gear and fish, foul weather, etc. Vessels are encouraged to bid for multiple areas and years. These surveys are anticipated to be conducted for at least four more years. All survey operations must be completed between June 1^st and August 31^st of 1998.

Last year 15 vessels fished under IPHC charters and once again the IPHC has expanded the survey area by adding stations in Shelikof Strait and Prince William Sound. This year we expect to hire 20 vessels or more. If you have a sea-worthy vessel and a competent and reliable crew, this may be the opportunity you’re looking for to complete your summer fishing plans. Winning bids from 1997 are available upon request from IPHC. Check out last year’s winning vessels and see how you might measure up.

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 Commission employees (including women) in addition to a 5 or 6 person crew (including captain). 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.

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 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 1998. Interested parties should contact Cal Blood or Dan Randolph for further information.

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