Jan 23, Senator Sullivan announced the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s (IPHC) decision to defer review of a Seattle-based trade association’s proposed regulation that would change Alaska’s unguided recreational halibut limit from two fish to one fish.
The IPHC does not have jurisdiction over this matter and has deferred review to the North Pacific Management Council. Sullivan stated: “This decision reaffirms that the IPHC does not have the authority to make this change, which I agree with.”
The Seattle-based trade association, which was not identified in the press release, failed in its first attempt to force regulations on Alaska’s fishing community. The motivation behind the association’s attempt is not known, but the attempt raises red flags. The association’s regulatory proposal will now go to the North Pacific Management Council for review.
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Natalie Spaulding oversees day-to-day operations and communications at Must Read Alaska and writes on the full range of MRAK topics. A 2025 Hillsdale College graduate, she previously did editorial work at the Family Research Council on the book "Life After Roe" by David Closson and research for the Charlotte Lozier Institute. She lives in Anchorage, AK.
