Feb 2, 2025 – Conservation, Fish, Fishing Access, Halibut, Saltwater Fishing

The 101st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) concluded on Friday, January 31st, after a busy week of presentations, Q&A sessions, and critical decisions. Representing the Southern Vancouver Island Anglers Coalition (SVIAC) was newly appointed President Bill Campbell attending his first IPHC AGM.

From the outset, it was clear that the state of halibut stocks remained concerning. Scientific presentations from the IPHC painted a stark picture of declining stocks, necessitating further reductions in Total Allowable Catch (TAC) to support recovery efforts. Both Canadian and American delegations acknowledged the urgency, agreeing that meaningful TAC cuts were essential despite some areas showing less significant declines.

Challenges for Canada’s Recreational Fishery
In 2023, Canada’s Recreational TAC was set at 885,250 lbs. However, by September, recreational anglers had exceeded this limit by 9,631 lbs, triggering an early season closure.

For 2024, Canada’s Recreational TAC was reduced to 826,619 lbs, reflecting the prior year’s overage. Unfortunately, by September 2024, the fishery again exceeded its limit, this time by almost 30,000 lbs, resulting in another early closure. This overage will now be deducted from the 2025 Recreational TAC.

2025: A New TAC Reduction
After significant discussions, the IPHC Commissioners implemented an aggregate 15.8% TAC reduction for both Canada and the U.S. For 2025, Canada’s total share of the Pacific halibut TAC is set at 4,735,000 lbs. Based on the agreed allocations:

15% Recreational Allocation = 680,250 lbs
– 30,000 lbs deducted for the 2024 overage

This leaves Canada’s 2025 Recreational TAC at close to 650,250 lbs, marking a substantial reduction of over 175,000 lbs from 2024.

Next Steps
The Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB) Halibut Working Group will now develop a coast-wide fishing plan for 2025. While the specifics remain to be determined, anglers should prepare for potential adjustments to the season, including a later start, an earlier closure, and/or tighter size limits.

Stay tuned for further updates and the official DFO Halibut Fishery Notice.

Bill Campbell
President, SVIAC

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About the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPCH)

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1923 by a treaty between the United States and Canada. Its primary role is to manage and conserve the Pacific halibut stock within the waters of the two nations. The commission aims to ensure the sustainable harvest of Pacific halibut for current and future generations.

Key Roles of the IPHC in Fisheries Management:

1. Stock Assessment and Research:

• Conducts scientific research and monitoring to assess the health and abundance of Pacific halibut stocks.
• Develops biological and ecological data to inform management decisions.

2. Catch Limit Recommendations:

• Sets annual total allowable catch (TAC) limits for Pacific halibut fisheries in U.S. and Canadian waters, ensuring sustainability.

3. Regulation Development:

• Establishes regulations for halibut fishing, including gear restrictions, size limits, fishing seasons, and area closures.

4. International Collaboration:

• Facilitates cooperation between the United States and Canada in managing a shared resource.
• Coordinates with stakeholders, such as commercial and recreational fishers, Indigenous groups, and other regulatory bodies.

5. Enforcement and Compliance:

• Works with national agencies, such as NOAA (U.S.) and DFO (Canada), to ensure compliance with established rules and regulations.

The IPHC plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological and economic viability of Pacific halibut fisheries, which are significant to the livelihoods of coastal communities in both countries.