2023 Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan

NOAA Fisheries has issued a proposed rule in the Federal Register (88 FR 13399, March 3, 2023) for the 2023 Pacific halibut Catch Sharing Plan and annual management measures for Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California.

This proposed rule would implement the 2023 recreational fishery annual management measures for Area 2A, in response to the framework described in the revised 2023 Catch Sharing Plan. These management measures for the Washington, Oregon, and California recreational fisheries include season opening and closing dates, as well as minor changes from the previous year related to the number of fishing days and bag limits. These changes are primarily intended to provide more opportunities for anglers to achieve but not exceed applicable allocations.

Comments on the proposed changes to the Catch Sharing Plan and domestic Area 2A Pacific halibut management measures must be received by March 20, 2023.