Calling for Reform of Commercial Halibut Fishing

“What is the goal of boycotting commercially caught halibut?” The answer is Reform.

The commercial industry has pulled the puppet strings on the halibut management system for too long.  They have dictated the following:

1. Their % of the total allowable catch. The nation wide model for a fair and equitable split between commercial and sport fishermen is 50-50.  Somehow the split in Alaska is an average of 90-10 with the commercials being the benefactors.
2. Their seasons. Originally limited to two 24 hour openers a year they now fish from March till November
3. The rules for sport fishermen. Originally allowed two a day per person of any size the guided sport fisherman has in South East Alaska’s area 2c been limited to two fish of which one must be under 32 inches(approx 14 lbs) The NPFMC passed a one fish limit for them in 2008 which was overturned in court.  Now they have passed a new rule to implement a one fish limit again in 2009.

For people out there who are committing to not buy halibut the goal is reform of commercial halibut regulations and regulations on recreational halibut fishing.  Here are three areas that need a huge turn around.

1. Commercial seasons need to be shortened. This can be done by intermittent seasons.  For example 2 weeks on 3 weeks off.  This will allow fish to migrate unmolested into areas targeted by subsistence and recreational anglers.  If you vary the openers among the different areas it would still meet the goal of having fresh fish for the market throughout the season yet would ease the constant pressure throughout the state.
2. More stringent designations of where commercials can fish. No longer should there be a gauntlet of long lines across the Kennedy Entrance or Icy Straights (for example) preventing fish from travelling into areas where both subsistence and recreational anglers can access them.   Commercial fishermen need to go back to fishing the areas they traditionally fished during the derby years instead of making short runs to near shore areas.
3. Recreational Anglers need to be redefined as just that. No longer should regulations split them into groups.  It doesn’t matter where you are from if you have a sport fishing license you should be treated equal to any other fishing license holder.  It doesn’t matter if you choose to fish from your own boat or fish with a guide.  Your limit should be the same.  It is a tragedy the current system is prejudiced against non residents, people with physical limitations, people inexperienced on the water, one time fishermen, and a host of other groups who for their own reasons choose the option of using a guide.

If you choose to join the thousands of other people committed to Boycotting Commercial Halibut you are joining a strong movement demanding reform.  Here are some key things you can do to help:

1. Tell your local restaurant you will no longer order halibut and explain why. Suggest they join the boycott by no longer serving it until reform takes place.
2. Tell your local grocery store or fish market the same thing.
3. Tell your friends and tell them to tell their friends.
4. Financially help the cause.
5. Check out these websites www.charterhalibut.org www.npfmc.com and www.SaveOurSportfishing.com

Thanks for your support.  This is going to be a long hard fought battle.  Preserving sport fishing opportunities for future generations and defending the rights of Americans is a worthy cause.