The number of halibut caught by the charter fishing industry in Alaska has become the subject of intense debate during the last few years, especially in the southeast part of the state.
NOAA’s Fisheries Service is proposing new limits on the number of halibut that can be taken by anglers on charter boats in southeast Alaska from two to one fish per day. In making the announcement on 22 December 2008, Alaska Fisheries Service Administrator Doug Mecum states, “Sport charter fishing has grown in southeast Alaska while halibut abundance has decreased. We’re proposing to reduce the charter halibut catch to protect the halibut resource.”
Charter boats in southeast Alaska waters have exceeded the guideline harvest level of 1.43 million pounds set by NOAA for the past four years. Annual catch limits are set in part by the International Pacific Halibut Commission that estimates halibut abundance each year. The limit proposed for 2009 is four and a half million pounds that must be shared between sport and commercial fishing interests.
The Proposed Rule
Restrictions proposed by the Agency would take effect in the spring of 2009. A similar effort was made in 2008 that was successfully challenged and overturned by the charter industry in court. Among the new requirements for 2009:
- Each fishing client is limited to one line
- Only six fishing lines are allowed per boat
- Guides and charter vessel crew would be prohibited from retaining halibut while customers are aboard
Public Comments Taken
The public can comment on NOAA’s proposed rulemaking regarding halibut fishing in southeast Alaska until 21 January 2009, after which the Agency will finalize the regulations for the upcoming fishing season. Information on the public comment process can be found at the NOAA Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Regional Office website.
Copyright © 2008 by Alan Sorum
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