October 24, 2003

It is estimated that the following catches and numbers of landings were made in the British Columbia IVQ fishery through October 16, 2003 and in the Alaskan IFQ and CDQ fisheries through October 17, 2003.

The Alaskan catch represents 91% of the 2003 catch limit. From March 18 to October 15, 2002, 57.7 million pounds, or 93% of the 2002 catch limit, were landed in the Alaskan fishery. When comparing the length of the fishing period, 59.2 million pounds, or 96% of the 2002 catch limit, were landed after thirty weeks (October 31) in 2002.

The British Columbia catch represents 86% of the 2003 catch limit. From March 18 to October 15, 2002, 10.9 million pounds, or 93% of the 2002 catch limit, were landed from Area 2B (British Columbia). Comparing the length of the fishing period, 11.7 million pounds, or 99% of the area allocation, were landed from Area 2B after thirty weeks (October 31) 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 ninth 48-hour fishing period this year occurred between September 13 and September 15, with a total catch of 6,430 pounds. A tenth opening occurred between September 27 and September 29 resulting in a total catch of 833 pounds. After ten openings, a grand total of 82,505 pounds have been landed. The Metlakatla Indian Community and the Bureau of Indian Affairs will announce future halibut openings.

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 60,356 pounds have been landed through October 6. This incidental halibut catch fishery is scheduled to close on October 31.