For those of you who might be interested in the discussions for the 2023 Area 2A (Washington, Oregon, N. California) halibut season, the following information was provided by Lorna Wargo, WDFW Intergovernmental Ocean Policy Coordinator, last week.
Additionally, the Makah Tribe, through the NWIFC has submitted a proposal to the IPHC to continue the 1.65M lb TCEY baseline quota that we've had for the past four years. We're hopeful that the IPHC will continue that baseline amount for Area 2A. It will provide much needed stability for our halibut fishery for the businesses that depend on the fishing community.
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Hello,
This email provides information regarding the recreational Pacific fishery halibut that may be of interest to you.
Just Concluded
At its November 2022 meeting, the Pacific Fishery Management Council adopted the proposed catch sharing plan changes for 2023 submitted by Washington, Oregon, and California.
The Washington season dates can be found here: Halibut seasons and subarea quotas | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife The dates are also copied below my signature line.
Meeting materials for the November 2022 Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting can be found here: November 2-8, 2022 Council Meeting - Pacific Fishery Management Council (pcouncil.org)
Note some items are not yet available as the meeting just concluded November 8.
If interested, the meeting materials, including the recording, for the WDFW October 4, 2022 public meeting have been posted:
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/halibutLooking Forward
The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) Interim meeting is scheduled for November 30 and December 1. This meeting will be conducted online.
https://www.iphc.int/venues/details/98th-session-of-the-iphc-interim-meeting-im098 And, the IPHC annual meeting is scheduled for January 23-27, 2023. This meeting will be held in person in Victoria, BC and will be webcast.
https://www.iphc.int/venues/details/99th-session-of-the-iphc-annual-meeting-am099Thank you,
Lorna Wargo
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Preliminary 2023 Pacific Halibut Season Dates
Puget Sound Subarea
Marine Areas 5, 6 - 10:
April 6 through May 22, five days per week, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Memorial Day weekend, open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 26, 27, and 28
June 1 through June 30, seven days per week
If quota remains after June 30, consider August and September dates up to seven days per week
North Coast Subarea
Marine Areas 3 - 4
May 4 through May 20, two days per week, Thursday and Saturday,
Memorial Day weekend, open Friday and Sunday, May 26 and May 28,
June 1 through June 24, two days per week, Thursday and Saturday, and Thursday, June 29.
If quota remains after June 30, consider August and September dates up to seven days per week.
South Coast Subarea
Marine Area 2
May 4 through May 23, three days per week, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday,
Memorial Day weekend, open Thursday, May 25, and Tuesday May 30
If sufficient quota remains, the following open dates would be considered depending on available quota: June 15, 18, 22, 25.
If quota remains after June 30, consider August and September dates up to seven days per week.
Columbia River Subarea:
Marine Area 1
May 4 through May 21, two days per week, Thursday and Sunday,
Memorial Day weekend, open Thursday, May 25
June 1 through June 25, open two days per week, Thursday and Sunday, and Thursday, June 29.
If quota remains after June 30, consider August and September dates up to seven days per week.
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