The International Pacific Halibut Commission anticipates that the catch from the August 2^nd directed fishery will bring the Area 2A estimated commercial catch close to the catch limit. The remaining commercial catch limit is too small to allow for another directed fishery without exceeding the catch limit. Therefore, the Area 2A non-treaty directed commercial halibut fishery is closed for the remainder of 2000.

The incidental commercial halibut fishery during the salmon troll season reopens from August 11 to August 21. It is estimated that the remaining commercial catch limit of under 5,000 pounds will be taken during this incidental fishery. Therefore, the incidental halibut fishery will close after the August 11-21^st fishery for the remainder of the year. For further incidental fishery retention information call the NMFS hotline (1-800-662-9825).