WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) welcomed the decision by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) to defer review of a regulatory proposal that sought to alter Alaska’s unguided recreational Pacific halibut limits. The proposal, which was submitted by a Seattle, Washington-based trade association, would have reduced the daily bag limit of Alaska’s unguided recreational halibut limit from two fish to one fish. Senator Sullivan previously sent a letter of concern to Dr. Neil Jacobs, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, regarding his concerns for the suggested allocation change especially as the IPHC was not the appropriate management body for such a proposal.

“I am relieved by the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s decision to defer review of a regulatory proposal submitted by a Seattle-based trade association that targets Alaska’s unguided recreational Pacific halibut limits to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council,” Senator Sullivan said. “I recently sent a letter to the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Dr. Neil Jacobs voicing my concern about this request, including the IPHC’s lack of jurisdiction, which would have directly infringed on the livelihoods of Alaska’s halibut fishermen, especially recreational and subsistence harvesters. This decision reaffirms that the IPHC does not have the authority to make this change, which I agree with. 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.”

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  halibut, iphc, sullivan