The last five years have been harsh to quota holders, with over half of the allowable catch slipping through their hands, one has to wonder where have all the halibut gone? Recently a fellow fisherman returned from the Halibut Commission. My first question was, “Did your voice get heard?” “No,” he replied! It was his first visit to the occasion, so he was happy to see the quota larger than was expected. He was also quick to show this video of Halibut waste by trawlers…here
Southeast commercial fishermen allotted 4.4 million pounds
By Kim Marquis | JUNEAU EMPIRE
Commercial fishermen in Southeast Alaska will be allowed to take 4.4 million pounds of halibut this year, the international commission that manages the fishery announced Friday.
The decision by the International Pacific Halibut Commission represents an increase of about 700,000 pounds over staff recommendations, but is still a reduction from last year’s catch.
Commercial fishermen had been facing a 26 percent cut.