HALIBUT COMMISSION COMPLETES 1998 INTERIM MEETING

The International Pacific Halibut Commission conducted its Interim Meeting November 23 and 24, 1998 in Seattle, Washington. The Commission and staff reviewed results of the new stock assessment analysis, which accounts for slower halibut growth rates in recent years, incorporates bycatch mortality of legal-sized halibut, results from research surveys, and a revised estimate of natural mortality. The IPHC staff will release recommendations for catch limits by mid-December, and a final determination of catch limits will be made at the IPHC Annual Meeting January 25 to 28, 1999 in Prince Rupert, B.C.

The Commission will distribute a brief summary of stock assessment information and staff recommendations to the public by mid-December. This information will also be available on the Commission’s web page at http://www.iphc.washington.edu. All information pertaining to the 1999 Annual Meeting can be located by following the IPHC Annual Meeting hyperlink from the web page or by calling the IPHC office.

Requests for 1999 regulatory measures or IPHC management actions should be submitted to the Commission by January 4, 1999. The Commission will not guarantee consideration of proposals received after this date. A summary of all recommendations will be distributed mid-January, 1999 to industry and will also be posted on the IPHC web site.

- END -