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July 1, 2003
2003 Halibut Landing Report No. 6
Area 2A Non-treaty Directed Commercial Fishery
to Reopen on July 9
The June 25 non-treaty
commercial fishing period in Area 2A resulted in a catch of
about 80,000 pounds, leaving 142,700 pounds in the directed
commercial catch limit.
Area 2A will reopen on July 9
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 (46o53’18"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.
|
Vessel Class |
Fishing Period Limit (pounds) |
|
Length |
Letter |
Dressed, head-on |
Dressed, head-off* |
|
0-25 |
A |
505 |
445 |
|
26-30 |
B |
630 |
555 |
|
31-35 |
C |
1,010 |
890 |
|
36-40 |
D |
2,790 |
2,455 |
|
41-45 |
E |
3,000 |
2,640 |
|
46-50 |
F |
3,590 |
3,160 |
|
51-55 |
G |
4,005 |
3,525 |
|
56+ |
H |
6,025 |
5,300 |
*Weights
are after 2% has been deducted for ice and slime if fish are not
washed prior to weighing.
The appropriate vessel length class and letter are printed on
each vessel license.
The fishing period limit is shown in terms of
dressed, head-off weight as well as dressed, head-on weight,
although fishers are reminded that regulations require that all
halibut from Area 2A be landed with the head on.
The fishing period limit applies to the
vessel, not the individual fisher, and any landings over the
vessel limit will be subject to forfeiture and fine.
In 2003, NMFS implemented mandatory
depth-based area closures that are in effect for the directed
halibut fishery to protect specific rockfish species. NMFS has
mailed information on the closures to license holders. For
further information, call the NMFS hotline at 1-800-662-9825,
then press "5" for the halibut fisheries.
- END -
Bruce M. Leaman, Director
Phone: (206) 634-1838
Fax: (206) 632-2983
Web: www.iphc.washington.edu |
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