Last season’s commercial landings of Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) totaled 25.6 million pounds (11,612 metric tons – MT), up from 24.4 million pounds (11,068 MT), 23.9 million pounds (10,841 MT) and 22.9 million pounds (10,387 MT) in the 2016, 2015 and 2014 seasons respectively, finds the 2017 Fishery Statistics report published by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC).
The 2017 commercial fishery landings were spread over nine months of the year – May through November – with August’s harvest (over 4 million pounds – 1,814 MT) providing the most halibut.
While the last season yielded the most fish since 2013 (28.4 million pounds – 12,882 MT), historically the catch remains significantly lower than 10 years ago. Some 57.8 million pounds (26,218 MT) of halibut was commercially caught in 2008, followed by 51.2 million pounds (23,224 MT) and 48.9 million pounds (22,181 MT) in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
IPHC’s commercial fisheries span from northern California through to northern and western Alaska in the United States and Canada waters of the northeastern Pacific Ocean. Participants in these commercial fisheries use longline and pot gear.
The commission sets annual limits for the catch of Pacific halibut in each regulatory area. Catch limits for the 2018 season are expected to be announced toward the end of this month.
