October 16, 2006

2006 HALIBUT LANDING REPORT NO. 9

Quota Share Commercial Fisheries Update

The 2006 quota share halibut fisheries opened on March 5, one week later than the 2005 opening date.  It is estimated that the following catches and numbers of landings were made in the Alaskan IFQ and CDQ fisheries through October 16, 2006 and in the British Columbian IVQ fishery through October 15, 2006.

¹ Area 4C CDQ and IFQ can be fished in Area 4D
² Area 4D CDQ can be fished in Area 4E

The Alaskan catch represents 91% of the 2006 catch limit. For comparison, 54.4 million pounds, or 92% of the 2005 catch limit, had been landed in the Alaskan fishery from February 27 to October 16, 2005.  Comparing catch with the number of days opened, 53.1 million pounds, or 90% of the catch limit, had been delivered after 225 days of the 2005 season.

The British Columbian catch represents 92% of the 2006 catch limit. The catch in Area 2B between February 27 and October 15, 2005 was 10.7 million pounds, or 92% of the 2005 catch limit. Comparing catch with the number of days opened, 10.6 million pounds, or 91% of the catch limit, had been delivered after 224 days of the 2005 season.

Area 2A Incidental Commercial Halibut Fishery During the Salmon Troll Season

The total allowable incidental commercial catch of halibut allocated to the Area 2A salmon troll fishery is 41,464 pounds. An estimated 30,462 pounds of halibut were landed in Washington State through October 6 while an additional 2,933 pounds of halibut were landed in Oregon, for a total of 33,395 pounds.

Incidental Commercial Halibut Catch in the Area 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 59,051 pounds have been landed through October 6. This incidental halibut catch fishery remains open until further notice. For further incidental fishery retention information call the NMFS hotline (1-800-662-9825).

Annette Islands Reserve Fishery in Area 2C

The Metlakatla Indian community has been authorized by the United States Government to conduct a commercial halibut fishery within the Annette Islands Reserve.  The eighth 48-hour fishing period of 2006 occurred between September 15 and September 17, with 972 pounds of halibut being delivered. A total of 34,871 pounds have been landed to date. The Metlakatla Indian Community and the Bureau of Indian Affairs will announce future halibut openings.  

- END -