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June 30, 2004

2004 Halibut Landing Report No. 5

Non-treaty Commercial Fishing Period Limits in Area 2A

The June 23 non-treaty commercial fishing period in Area 2A resulted in a catch of about 110,000 pounds, leaving 142,475 pounds in the directed commercial catch limit.

Area 2A will reopen on July 14 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° 53’18" N. latitude) under regulations promulgated by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 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

670

590

26-30

B

835

735

31-35

C

1,335

1,175

36-40

D

3,680

3,240

41-45

E

3,960

3,485

46-50

F

4,740

4,170

51-55

G

5,290

4,655

56+

H

7,955

7,000

*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 2004, 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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