IPHC REQUESTS BIDS FOR 1999 BAIT AND GEAR EXPERIMENTS

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking commercial longline vessels to conduct setline research experiments on Pacific halibut in the Gulf of Alaska during May-September 1999. These operations will be in addition to the Commission’s assessment surveys, which also occur during this period. Vessels will operate from ports in the U.S. or Canada and will conduct fishing in Areas 2B, 2C, 3A or 3B. Revenue from fish sales will be shared between the vessel and IPHC. The vessel will be responsible for gear, fuel and other vessel expenses, and the IPHC will pay for ice, bait, and communications. Limited retention of rockfish and Pacific cod bycatch may be allowed.

The IPHC summer research will primarily involve bait type, fishing gear, and chalky fish studies. Trips are expected to last less than one week. The total number of trips and the amount of halibut landings have not been determined and will likely be divided among several vessels.

The IPHC will consider only those vessels with captains and crews that have halibut fishing experience. Vessels must have suitable accommodations for two Commission employees (including women) in addition to an experienced captain and crew, capable of fishing 40 skates of gear per day and handling large quantities of halibut. Vessels will supply conventional fixed-hook setline gear built to Commission specifications, and all associated equipment normally required for commercial halibut fishing. The IPHC will evaluate proposals based on (1) the proposed share of the revenue required by the vessel to conduct the experiment, (2) the experience and production of captain and crew with halibut fishing, (3) the characteristics and safety features of the vessel, and (4) IPHC operating costs. Preference may be given to vessels that are available in May and have flexible schedules.

The Commission is not restricted as to nationality of the vessels it charters for operation in any area and will contract according to its own best interests. Also, vessels need not be licensed for halibut fishing in Canada or the U. S. to be eligible.

Interested owners can contact IPHC for further information on charter specifications and to obtain tender forms. Sealed tenders must be received at the IPHC office in Seattle no later than 12:00 noon on March 15, 1999. Interested parties should contact Steve Kaimmer (ext. 210), Cal Blood (ext. 228), Steve Hoag (ext. 213), or Bob Trumble (ext. 212).

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