This story follows up on “Seattle-Based Trade Association Attempts to Restrict Alaska’s Halibut Fishing,” published the morning of Jan 27.
Recently, a Seattle-based association attempted to change Alaska’s recreational halibut limit from two fish to one fish via the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). IPHC deferred review to the North Pacific Management Council, who holds the correct jurisdiction.
The following document provided to Must Read Alaska identifies the Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association (FVOA) of Seattle as the association that attempted the new restriction. According to a letter from Pers Odegaard of the FVOA, “Due to the continued decline of the halibut resource, FVOA members are expecting reduced commercial harvest limits for 2026 along with reduction to the guided sports industry. It is time that all harvesting sectors share in rebuilding the halibut resource.”
Senator Sullivan responded favorably to the IPHC’s decision to defer review, stating: “Pacific halibut harvested off Alaska’s coast is a shared resource that goes through extensive management review to ensure careful conservation. Alaskan families and coastal communities have done this hard work of sustainable stewardship for generations. I will continue to fight for resource and fisheries management systems that follow the law, respect local knowledge, and keep Alaska’s fisheries strong, sustainable, and thriving.”