September 16, 2003

It is estimated that the following catches and numbers of landings were made in the British Columbia IVQ fishery through September 15, 2003 and in the Alaskan IFQ and CDQ fisheries through September 16, 2003.

The Alaskan catch represents 83% of the 2003 catch limit. From March 18 to September 16, 2002, 53.1 million pounds, or 86% of the 2002 catch limit, were landed in the Alaskan fishery. When comparing the length of the fishing period, 55.8 million pounds, or 90% of the 2002 catch limit, were landed after twenty-six weeks (September 30) in 2002.

The British Columbia catch represents 74% of the 2003 catch limit. From March 18 to September 16, 2002, 9.7 million pounds, or 82% of the 2002 catch limit, were landed from Area 2B (British Columbia). Comparing the length of the fishing period, 10.4 million pounds, or 88% of the area allocation, were landed from Area 2B after twenty-six weeks (September 30) in 2002.

The Metlakatla Indian community has been authorized by the United States Government to conduct a commercial halibut fishery within the Annette Islands Reserve. The seventh 48-hour fishing period this year occurred between August 16 and August 18, with a total catch of 16,082 pounds. An eighth opening occurred between August 30 and September 1 resulting in a total catch of 10,739 pounds. After eight openings, a grand total of 75,242 pounds have been landed. The Metlakatla Indian Community and the Bureau of Indian Affairs will announce future halibut openings.

Please be advised that no changes have been made to the regulations concerning Area 4 vessel clearances. Clearances are still required for fishing in Regulatory Area 4 as per IPHC regulations at http://www.iphc.washington.edu/halcom/pubs/regs/2003iphcregs.pdf. However, NOAA Fisheries recently changed some of its reporting requirements regarding IFQ fisheries (http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/frules/fr44473.pdf).

The total allowable incidental commercial catch of halibut allocated to the limited entry, fixed gear sablefish fishery which operates in Area 2A north of Point Chehalis, Washington is 70,000 pounds. It is estimated that 46,761 pounds have been landed through August 26. This incidental halibut catch fishery remains open until further notice.