HALIBUT COMMISSION COMPLETES INTERIM MEETING

The International Pacific Halibut Commission conducted its Interim Meeting on September 28, 1999 in Seattle, Washington. The IPHC staff and Commissioners discussed the 1999/2000 Commission budget and related financial items, preliminary reports on 1999 research activities, and fishery and management issues for the upcoming year. The IPHC staff presented progress reports of the 1999 fishery to date. Also discussed was a preliminary report on implications of extending the commercial season and the status of live fish landings in Canada. The Commission also identified topics for discussion at a joint meeting with the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council scheduled for October 12 in Seattle. Catch limits and stock assessments were not discussed at this meeting. The IPHC staff will release recommendations for catch limits by early December, and a final determination will be made at the IPHC Annual Meeting, January 10 to 13, 2000 in Lynnwood, Washington.

The Annual Meeting sessions will be held at the Embassy Suites at 20610 44th Avenue West, Lynnwood, Washington. A block of rooms has been reserved for attendees until December 18, 1999 at a special rate of $89.00 US, plus taxes for a double room, $78.00 US, plus taxes for a single. Please identify yourself as part of the IPHC 2000 Annual Meeting to receive the special rate. Phone: (800) 628-0611; Hotel Direct: (425) 775-2500; or Fax: (425) 640-8815. Outside of the U.S. please use the direct phone number or toll free in Canada (800) 458-5848 and ask for reservations to secure your accommodations.

Proposals for 2000 Annual Meeting

At the 1999 IPHC Annual Meeting, it was announced that the IPHC would require formal proposal submissions when considering a change in IPHC regulations, procedures, or catch limits. Proposal forms are available through the IPHC office or on its web site at www.iphc.washington.edu. Please use the following guidelines when submitting proposals to the IPHC. Be aware that there are two separate deadlines for submissions and anything received after the deadline may not be considered at the 2000 IPHC Annual Meeting.

Proposal guidelines for submissions the 2000 IPHC Annual Meeting:

1. Proposals that pertain to IPHC regulations or procedures: The deadline for submission is October 29, 1999. The early deadline is necessary to allow for public response to all proposals received. Items received after the deadline may not be considered and could be tabled until the following year. Proposals received by the deadline will be posted on the IPHC web site.

2. Proposals regarding IPHC stock assessment and/or staff recommended catch limits: The IPHC staff recommended catch levels and stock assessment will be available to the public in late fall. Proposals for the upcoming year should be submitted by December 31, 1999. Timely submissions will be forwarded to IPHC Commissioners for inclusion in discussions.

3. Questions or proposals regarding individual quotas or other allocation issues (such as sport vs. commercial) should not be sent to the IPHC. These are issues internal to each respective country and items of this nature should be directed to the appropriate agency within each government. Any items of this nature that are received at the IPHC offices will be forwarded to the appropriate agency.

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