Area 2A Non-treaty Directed Commercial Halibut Fishery to be Closed for Remainder of 1998

The International Pacific Halibut Commission estimates that the August 26^th commercial fishing period in Area 2A resulted in a catch of 11,500 pounds. The total commercial catch from the directed fishery to date is estimated at 140,500 pounds, approximately 3,000 pounds under the catch limit. The 3,000 pounds remaining is not enough for a directed fishery; therefore, this amount will be "rolled" into the incidental commercial fishery catch limit for the salmon troll season. The Area 2A non-treaty directed commercial halibut fishery is closed for the remainder of 1998.

Area 2A Non-treaty Incidental Commercial Halibut Fishery during the Salmon Troll Season Remains Open

The total allowable incidental commercial catch of halibut allocated to the salmon troll fishery was 25,344 pounds. The catch through August 30 is estimated to be 8,700 pounds. Therefore, with the 3,000 pounds added from the directed fishery, the incidental commercial halibut fishery remains open with approximately 19,600 pounds to be caught. For further incidental fishery retention information call the NMFS hotline (1-800-662-9825).