Charter Halibut Limited Access Program Implementation Report

The CHLAP established new federal Charter Halibut Permits (CHPs) for operators in the charter halibut fishery in Regulatory Areas 2C (Southeast Alaska) and 3A (South Central Alaska). The Program also provides a limited number of permits issuable on request to nonprofit corporations representing specified rural communities and for the U.S. Military’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs for service members. Beginning February 1, 2011, all vessel operators in Areas 2C and 3A with charter anglers onboard must have an original, valid permit onboard during every charter vessel fishing trip on which Pacific halibut are caught and retained. CHPs are endorsed for the appropriate regulatory area and, except for military CHPs, the number of anglers that may catch and retain charter halibut on a trip.