IPHC Sets Halibut Limit at 29.89 mlbs, Slightly Above 2015 Catch
SEAFOODNEWS.COM By Peggy Parker - January 29, 2016
The International Pacific Halibut Commission voted more conservatively than their advisory bodies this year and approved 29.89 million pounds to be taken from waters off both countries in 2016.
The fishermen and processors asked for 31.75 mlbs 32.63 mlbs respectively. The IPHC staff offered a reference point of 26.56 mlbs.
The six member panel also approved a slightly later season opening of March 19 and a closure of November 7, 2016.
The stock assessment from from the last three years shows an increasing trend in exploitable biomass. Growth in the trend line has been slow, but the 2015 exploitable biomass of 185.1 million pounds is the largest since 2009, when it was 195.1 million pounds.
Both the Conference Board, and the Processor Advisory Group, made up of fishermen and processors respectively, pushed for the Commissioners to...
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