Dan Hull, Chairman
Chris Oliver, Executive Director
SUBJECT: title
Mixing of Guided and Unguided Halibut: Discussion paper
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STAFF CONTACT: Jon McCracken
ACTION REQUIRED: recommended action
Review Discussion Paper
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BACKGROUND:
At the June 2016 meeting, the Council tasked staff to prepare a discussion paper on the mixing of guided and unguided halibut on the same vessel for presentation at a future Council meeting. Different regulations apply to guided and unguided (i.e., chartered and non-chartered) halibut fishing trips. For example, unguided sport fishermen may harvest two halibut of any size and they are not subject to an annual catch limit. Charter vessel anglers, or guided fishermen, on the other hand, are subject to regulations developed annually, that may include restrictions on daily bag limit, size, daily closures, and an annual catch limit.
The Enforcement Committee at the October and December 2016 meetings developed a discussion paper to address the Council’s June 2016 request. The following discussion paper provides information on current regulations, examples of vessels that may potentially mix guided and unguided halibut, and potential alternatives and options to limit mixing of guided and unguided halibut on the same vessel at the same time.