In February 2017, the Council initiated an analysis for limiting the simultaneous possession of guided halibut with unguided halibut in IPHC Areas 2C and 3A in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This action was undertaken by the Council because different regulations apply to guided and unguided (i.e., charter and non-charter) halibut fishing trips, which presents… Read More →
Solicitation for Charter Halibut Management Committee
The Council is seeking nominations for representatives from Area 2C and Area 3A from smaller communities off the road system to complement representation from larger, road system communities. Nominations are open until February 2, 2018. Please send a letter of interest and brief resume to steve.maclean@noaa.gov.
RQE Ownership Caps
The Council chose to postpone an action that considered increasing the CHP ownership caps for a future recreational quota entity (an RQE). Current Federal regulations limit individuals and entities from holding more than five CHPs (with some exceptions). The proposed action would allow an RQE to purchase and hold up to 30 percent of the… Read More →
Mixing of Guided and Unguided Halibut
At this meeting, the Council reviewed an initial review analysis for limiting the mixing of guided and unguided halibut on a fishing vessel. Alternatives for consideration include: 1) no action; 2) prohibit the possession of guided and unguided halibut simultaneously on any vessel; and 3) if halibut harvested using sport fishing guide services is on… Read More →
Nominations open for Charter Halibut Committee
The Council is seeking nominations for seats to be filled on the Charter Halibut Committee to include a 3A representative from a community that is not on the road system, and a 2C representative from one of the smaller communities to complement representation from Juneau and Sitka. Nominations are open until March 31. Representatives will… Read More →
Mixing of Guided and Unguided Halibut
At the June 2016 meeting, the Council tasked staff to prepare a discussion paper on the mixing of guided and unguided halibut on the same vessel. Different regulations apply to guided and unguided (i.e., chartered and non-chartered) halibut fishing trips. Unguided sport fishermen may harvest two halibut of any size and they are not subject… Read More →
Charter Halibut Recreational Quota Entity
The Council took final action on a package that would allow the formation of a non-profit charter halibut recreational quota entity (RQE) to purchase and hold commercial halibut quota share (QS), to augment the charter catch limits in IPHC Regulatory Area 2C and Area 3A. Under the Council’s preferred alternative, any IFQ annually generated from… Read More →
