Area 2A Non-treaty Commercial Halibut Fisheries to be Closed for the Remainder of 1999

The International Pacific Halibut Commission estimates that the July 21 directed fishing period in Area 2A resulted in a catch of approximately 35,000 pounds. The total commercial catch of approximately 161,000 pounds, which includes the incidental halibut catch during the salmon troll fishery, exceeded the catch limit by 4,400 pounds. Therefore, no poundage remains to be "rolled" into the incidental catch fishery for the August salmon troll season. All Area 2A non-treaty commercial halibut fisheries, including the directed and the incidental catch while salmon trolling, are closed for the remainder of 1999.

Bruce M. Leaman, Director
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Web: www.iphc.washington.edu