Search Results for keywords:"halibut"

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released standard ex-vessel prices for groundfish and halibut under the North Pacific Observer Program. These prices will be used to calculate fees for landings made in 2025. This program helps fund observer coverage for the fishery, which collects data important for managing and conserving fishery resources. Shipowners and processors will receive invoices in early 2026 and must pay the fees by mid-February of the same year.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has announced the opening of the fishing season for sablefish with fixed gear under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program and the Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program. This season will run from March 20, 2025, to December 7, 2025, aligning with the Pacific halibut season, although the exact opening and closing hours differ. The actions are taken to promote conservation and management of fishery resources as per federal laws and regulations. This rule was issued quickly without public comment to ensure the simultaneous opening of the sablefish and halibut fisheries, which is essential for effective management and reducing bycatch.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has set a 3.0% fee percentage for 2024 under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for halibut and sablefish in the North Pacific. This fee helps cover the costs involved in managing and enforcing the program. Fishermen must calculate their fees based on this percentage and the value of their catch, which they need to pay by January 31, 2025. Although management costs decreased, a significant drop in total fishery value keeps the fee percentage at this capped rate.