The problem with halibut is that the IPHC manages only the spawning stock and hook and line catch. All they can do is respond to "wastage" and "by catch" in the trawl fishery. Just like WA can only respond to AK and BC catches of WA salmon.

Because of the by catch, the IPHC "pie" gets smaller and smaller. The deck is stacked against the halibut managers.