June 06, 2006

FISH SALES NOTICE – BELLINGHAM, WA

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) will be conducting research operations off Washington in July 2006 and will be selling halibut caught during the operations to offset costs associated with conducting the research programs.  This news release is intended to notify the industry of IPHC sales plans and seeks buyers interested in the following sale.

The IPHC charter vessel, F/V Blackhawk, is scheduled to make an offload in Bellingham, WA, on or about July 5, 2006.  This date may vary depending on fishing activities and weather.

We are notifying possible buyers of this offload to ensure we have a buyer in place to handle the fish in Bellingham.  As this is research fishing, we cannot guarantee the poundage to be landed.  Also be notified that bycatch will be gilled and gutted at the dock by a state biologist (this process may take several hours) prior to the buyer taking possession of the fish

Estimated hail:

In awarding the sale, the Commission will consider: (1) price; (2) the number of years buyers have been buying and marketing halibut; (3) how fish are graded at the dock including the determination of No. 2 halibut and chalky fish; and (4) promptness in settlements following deliveries. Obtaining a fair market price will be a primary consideration in awarding the fish sale, but the Commission may award the sale to buyers with slightly lower prices when the factors listed above are considered.      

All buyers interested in purchasing the above-mentioned IPHC research fish should send a letter, fax, or e-mail to Erica Anderson at the Commission by 12:00 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) on Wednesday, June 21st, 2006.  All respondents will be notified of the sale two days prior to the landing and can place a bid on the fish at that time, as market conditions dictate.  The letter should provide general contact information for your company as well as any other details applicable to this sale.  For further information, please call (206) 634-1838, and contact Erica Anderson (202) or Claude Dykstra (ext. 213).     

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