August 18, 1998 1998 Halibut Landing Report No. 9
Area 2A Non-treaty Commercial Fishery to Reopen August 26
The August 12 directed commercial fishery in Area 2A resulted in a
catch of 44,000 pounds. The total commercial catch from the directed fishery to date is
estimated at 129,000 pounds, leaving approximately 14,000 pounds to be caught from the
directed commercial fishery.
The Area 2A directed commercial fishery will reopen on August 26 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° 53’18"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.
Vessel Class |
Fishing
Period Limit (pounds) |
Length |
Letter |
dressed, head-on |
dressed, head-off* |
0-25
26-30
31-35
36-40
41-45
46-50
51-55
56+ |
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H |
225
225
225
530
570
675
755
1,135 |
200
200
200
465
500
595
665
1,000 |
*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 are printed on each vessel 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.
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 in Area 2A was 25,344 pounds. A revised total catch estimate of
7,642 pounds of halibut was taken during the May and June salmon troll fishery. During the
August salmon troll fishery, the halibut catch through August 9 totaled 92 pounds.
Therefore, 17,610 pounds of halibut remains to be caught. For further incidental fishery
retention information call the NMFS hotline (1-800-662-9825).
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. Seven 48-hour fishing periods occurred between April 17 and August 9, producing a
total catch of 5,780 pounds.
Quota Share Commercial Fishery Update
It is estimated that the following catches and number of landings were
made in the British Columbia IVQ, and in the Alaskan IFQ/CDQ fisheries through August 16,
1998.
Area |
Catch Limit
(000's pounds) |
Catch
(000's pounds) |
Number of Landings |
2C
3A
3B
4A
4B
4C
4D
4E |
10,500
26,000
11,000
3,500
3,500
1,590
1,590
320 |
6,883
15,912
6,406
2,134
2,059
1,085
626
174 |
1,930
1,837
360
143
219
616
78
826 |
Alaska total |
58,000 |
35,279 |
6,009 |
2B |
13,000 |
8,676 |
815 |
Grand Total |
71,000 |
43,955 |
6,824 |
The Alaskan catch represents 61% of the catch limit. For
comparison, from March 15 to August 17, 1997, 34.9 million pounds or 66% of the 1997 catch
limit were landed in the Alaskan IFQ and CDQ fisheries. From March 15 to August 15, 1997,
8.6 million pounds or 69% of the catch limit were landed from Area 2B (British Columbia)
compared to 67% in 1998.
-END-
Bruce M. Leaman, Director
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax: (206) 632-2983
