November 29, 2019 — SEAFOOD NEWS — It has taken a few years, but it is likely the West Coast directed commercial halibut fishery will be longer than a 10-hour season in 2020.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council in November approved a 3-day fishery for the non-tribal fishery in 2020, starting at 8 a.m. on the first day and concluding at 6 p.m. on the third day. The season would begin on the fourth Monday in June 2020 and subsequent periods would be scheduled as necessary to achieve the allowable catch level. It’s now up to the International Pacific Halibut Commission to approve.
This change is a critical first step in a transition to the U.S. taking over management of the fishery from the IPHC. The IPHC has proposed the change for the last few years.
The IPHC — and industry — voiced concerns in the past about the safety of the 10-hour season openings. Fishermen are keen to fish the lucrative 10-hour opening, despite the weather.
Going into the November PFMC meeting, suggestions for the status quo fishery and a 5-day fishery were on the table. Industry members said they would prefer a 5-day season, even though the individual vessel limits would likely be lower since the fleet would be afforded more time to catch the overall quota and attainment would be very likely.
However, the PFMC’s Enforcement Consultants, consisting of U.S. Coast Guard and state fish and wildlife law enforcement, proposed keeping the status quo, 10-hour fishery. A 5-day season would stretch enforcement beyond its targeted enforcement duties and officers would have to depend instead on spot checks and random patrols.
The Council motion to approve the 3-day fishery was unanimous. The IPHC will consider approving it at its annual meeting in February.
This story was originally posted on SeafoodNews.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.