August 15, 2005

2005 Halibut Landing Report No. 9

Area 2A Directed Commercial Halibut Fishery Closed for Remainder of 2005

The International Pacific Halibut Commission reports that the catch limit for the non-treaty directed commercial fishery has been reached, following the August 10 fishing period. Therefore, the Area 2A non-treaty directed commercial halibut fishery is closed for the remainder of 2005.

Incidental Commercial Halibut Catch in the Area 2A Fixed Gear Sablefish Fishery

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 30,824 pounds have been landed through August 5. This incidental halibut catch fishery remains open until further notice. For further incidental fishery retention information call the NMFS hotline (1-800-662-9825).

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