Preliminary estimates through June 7 and projections through June 14 for the Columbia River area sport halibut fishery (Leadbetter Point, Washington to Cape Falcon, Oregon) indicate that the catch limit of 10,487 pounds will be reached by June 14. Therefore, the Columbia River area sport halibut fishery will close for the season at 11:59 p.m. on June 14, 2001.

Preliminary estimates through June 6 for the south Washington coast sport halibut fishery (Queets River to Leadbetter Point) indicate that 42,236 pounds have been harvested. The near shore fishery, which occurs from the Queets River south to 47^o00'00" N. latitude and east of 124^o40'00" W. longitude, will re-open for 7 days per week until the overall area quota of 42,739 pounds is estimated to have been taken, or until September 30, whichever occurs first.

Preliminary estimates through June 3 for the north Washington coast sport halibut fishery (Sekiu River to the Queets River) indicate that the harvest is 71,131 pounds, or 36,899 pounds short of the 108,030 pound catch limit. Therefore, the north Washington coast sport halibut fishery will re-open, for one day only, on Saturday, June 16, 2001. The projected catch is not expected to significantly impact the 20,000 pound allocation set aside for July sport halibut fishing. An announcement will be made jointly by the International Pacific Halibut Commission, National Marine Fisheries Service and Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife prior to the July 1 opening regarding the number of remaining fishing days.