The June 27 non-treaty commercial fishing period in Area 2A resulted in a catch of about 42,000 pounds, leaving 150,926 pounds in the directed commercial catch limit.

Area 2A will reopen on July 11 for 10 hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time. The fishery is restricted to waters that are south of Point Chehalis, Washington (46^o53’18"N. latitude) under regulations promulgated by National Marine Fisheries Service. Fishing period limits as indicated in the following table will be in effect for this opening.

The fishing period limit is shown in terms of dressed, head-off weight as well as dressed, head-on weight, although fishermen are reminded that regulations require that all halibut from Area 2A be landed with the head on.

The total allowable incidental commercial catch of halibut allocated to the Area 2A salmon troll fishery was 34,046 pounds. An estimated 7,500 pounds of halibut have been landed in Washington through the end of June. As of July 1, it was estimated that 19,000 pounds of halibut were landed in Oregon. It is estimated that the remaining catch limit of approximately 7,500 pounds will be taken by July 11. Therefore, the incidental halibut fishery will close at 11:59 p.m. on July 11, 2001 until further notice. For further incidental fishery retention information call the NMFS hotline (1-800-662-9825).