February 06, 2008
Wednesday PM

This year there will be a few changes in the halibut fishing regulations. The regulations have not been printed yet, but they are coming soon.

First, charter boat operators can expect a change in halibut retention. I have not seen a final rule yet, but expect a change to be coming.

Second, there will be a change in possession regulations concerning filleted halibut on board a vessel this year. I have cut an pasted a portion from the IPHC website: For Alaska, the Commission adopted a sport regulation that no person shall possess on board a fishing vessel, including charter vessels and pleasure craft, halibut that has been filleted, mutilated, or otherwise disfigured in any manner except that each halibut may be cut into no more than two ventral and two dorsal pieces and two cheeks, all with skin on. The change allows enforcement officers to count the number of fish possessed by an angler. Additionally, in Area 2C the NMFS regulation that requires charter vessels to retain halibut carcasses remains in effect unless superseded by new NMFS regulations.

As soon as the new regulations are released, they will be available at the NOAA/OLE office in Ketchikan, AK and on the IPHC website at: http://www.iphc.washington.edu/halcom/default.htm

For further information please contact the NOAA/OLE at 907-247-5804

Drew Mathews
Ketchikan, AK

Received February 05, 2008 - Published February 06, 2008

Related News:

Comments due on proposed halibut charter fishing regulations in Southeast Alaska - NOAA Fisheries has proposed regulations limiting the guided sport harvest of Pacific halibut in Southeast Alaska. Comments on the proposed plan, which was released on the last day of 2007, must be received by January 30, 2008. - More...
January 25, 2008

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