Charter halibut catch. Courtesy Capt. Andy Mezirow
The Council reviewed the ADF&G analysis of proposed management measures for charter halibut fisheries in Areas 2C and 3A, and recommended the following management measures for application in 2018:
Area 2C
- If the allocation is 0.69 million pounds: one fish per day with a reverse slot limit U35:O80.
No annual limit. - If the allocation is below 0.69 million pounds: one fish per day with a reverse slot limit U35:O80. Four-fish annual limit, or if necessary to remain within the allocation, a three-fish annual limit.
- If the allocation is above 0.69 million pounds: one fish per day with a reverse slot limit. Adjust the lower slot limit as allowed to remain within the allocation, upper slot limit remains O80. No annual limit.
Area 3A
- Status quo measures: two-fish daily bag limit, including one fish of any size and 28-inch maximum size limit on one fish. Four-fish annual limit, one trip per Charter Halibut Permit per day, one trip per vessel per day, Wednesdays closed all year, three Tuesdays closed between July 24 and August 7.
- If the allocation is 1.70 million pounds: Status quo measures plus close seven additional Tuesdays as outlined in Table 11 of the ADF&G analysis (June 19 – August 21).
- If the allocation is higher or lower than 1.70 million pounds: increase or decrease Tuesday closures to remain within the allocation, as described in Table 11 in the ADF&G analysis.
These management measures will be proposed to the IPHC at their annual meeting in January 2018. Staff contact is Steve MacLean.
