Charter Halibut Limited Access Program
January 17, 2020
Small Entity Compliance Guide and frequent questions about this program that established new Federal Charter Halibut Permits (CHPs) for operators in the charter halibut fishery in regulatory Areas 2C (Southeast Alaska) and 3A (Central Gulf of Alaska).
Since February 1, 2011, all vessel operators in Areas 2C and 3A with charter anglers catching and retaining Pacific halibut must have a valid CHP onboard during every charter vessel fishing trip. CHPs must be endorsed with the appropriate regulatory area and number of anglers.
NOAA Fisheries implemented this program based on recommendations by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to meet allocation objectives in the charter halibut fishery. This program provides stability in the fishery by limiting the number of charter vessels that may participate in Areas 2C and 3A and decreasing the overall number of available CHPs over time. The program goals are to:
- increase the value of the resource
- limit boats to qualified active participants in the guided sport halibut sector
- enhance economic stability in rural coastal communities