Halibut Commission from newport paper

[drillman]

Halibut Commission seeks longliners for survey and experiments




The International Pacific Halibut Commission is seeking commercial longline vessels to conduct survey and experimental fishing between May 30 and Aug. 31, 2005.



The purpose of the setline survey is to collect standardized data for use in halibut stock assessment. The information is used to study growth, distribution, biomass, age composition, sexual maturity and relative abundance compared to other species. The 2005 stock assessment will cover 27 regions, from the southern Oregon border to the northern Bering Sea, including the Aleutian Islands. The survey is designed so the average vessel can fish about three stations per day; a maximum of four per day will be allowed. Depending on the region, the total charter duration may be between 20 and 32 days.



The purpose of the gear experiment is to estimate the relative fishing power of gear with different hook sizes and spacings compared to the standard IPHC survey gear skates. The increased use of combination gear for sablefish and halibut fishing within the commercial fishery requires the IPHC to determine the relationship of catching power for these different gear types. The experiment will occur in IPHC regulatory Area 3A (the central Gulf of Alaska). The experimental trips will each include about five fishing days, and it is expected that some 40 charter days will be needed to complete the work.



Vessel owners interested in the surveys or the experimental charter are invited to submit bids based on the standard IPHC bid structure. Charter specifications and vessel tender forms can be requested from the IPHC or downloaded at the commission website at www.iphc.washington.edu



For further information contact Claude Dykstra (ext. 213) or Kelly Ames (ext. 202) for information on surveys, or Steve Kaimmer (ext. 210) regarding the experimental fishing. Bids must be in at the IPHC Seattle office by noon Monday, March 7, 2005. The IPHC phone number is (206) 634-1838.

[trollking]

That's me, at extention 210, for any questions about the experimental charter. So now I have to spend a few weeks floating around off Kodiak Island, and I can't sportsfish while aboard because we sell our research fish into the commercial market. I'll probably look for a charter trip on my way back home to catch a nice salmon!

[kamloops]

Halibutsteve


Have they published any results of the 2004 test fishery.
The last results I saw were from the 2003 survey.