2025 West Coast Pacific Halibut Directed Commercial Fishery
Summary
NOAA Fisheries is proposing annual management measures for the 2025 Pacific halibut directed commercial fishery in Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California, including fishing periods and fishing period limits (i.e., season dates and vessel catch limits). In addition, NOAA Fisheries is proposing to move the permit deadline for all non-Tribal commercial fisheries to March 15, and to modify inseason notice procedures for the non-Tribal directed commercial fishery to include email notification to permit holders. Further information and regulations can be found in Federal Register notices and in 50 CFR Part 300 Subpart E.
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Allocation
The allocation for the 2025 fishery is 259,515 pounds (118 mt), net weight.
Fishing Periods
The proposed initial two fishing periods for 2025 are as follows:
- June 24, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. – June 26, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
- July 8, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. – July 10, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
If a third fishing period is needed to reach the allocation, it would be intended to occur 2 weeks after the second fishing period.
Fishing Period Limits
The proposed 2025 directed commercial fishery fishing period limits (vessel catch limits) for the first two fishing periods are shown in the table below. Catch limits are shown in dressed weight, head-on with ice/slime (pounds).
| Vessel class | Length range (feet) | Fishing period limit (pounds) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 - 25 | 2,000 |
| B | 26 - 30 | 2,000 |
| C | 31 - 35 | 2,000 |
| D | 36 - 40 | 3,400 |
| E | 41 - 45 | 3,400 |
| F | 46 - 50 | 4,300 |
| G | 51 - 55 | 4,300 |
| H | 56+ | 5,000 |
Permit Deadlines
The proposed permit deadline for all non-Tribal commercial fisheries is March 15, to provide for permit decisions to be made after the annual March Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting.
Inseason Notice Procedures
NOAA Fisheries is proposing that inseason notice procedures allow for direct email to fishery permit holders in the non-Tribal directed commercial fishery. This would allow for 2-week intervals between fishing periods with sufficient notice of dates and fishing period limits. This proposed action would streamline inseason notice procedures in order to allow for more advance notice of additional fishing dates and allow for a more consistent fishing period schedule.
Resources
- Pacific Halibut Fishing on the West Coast
- International Pacific Halibut Commission
- Pacific Halibut Rules and Notices
- Pacific Halibut Bulletins
- West Coast Pacific Halibut Permits