NOAA Proposes Capping Pacific Halibut Vessel Quotas at 5%
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed a change to the Pacific halibut Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program. Specifically, it would set a limit on how much halibut a single vessel can harvest in specific northern areas.
Why it matters: This is a technical adjustment to existing fishing regulations. It aims to provide more flexibility to fishers in northern Alaska and the Bering Sea, where conditions are difficult. It does not change the total amount of halibut allowed to be caught, only how that catch is distributed among vessels.
Who it affects
- Commercial halibut fishers operating in IFQ Areas 4A through 4E
This information is based on a proposed rule from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published in the Federal Register; readers should consult the original document for specific legal details and comment deadlines.
Agency: Commerce Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Source: Federal Register — read the official document