Final Regulatory Impact Review for a Proposed Regulatory Amendment to Limit Possession of Guided and Unguided Halibut Simultaneously on the Same Fishing Vessel

This document analyzes a regulatory action that would prohibit the mixing of guided and unguided halibut simultaneously on any fishing vessel in International Pacific Halibut Commission Areas 2C and 3A. The first alternative under consideration is the status quo. The second alternative would prohibit the possession of guided and unguided halibut simultaneously on any fishing vessel. Under the third alternative (the preferred alternative), if guided and unguided halibut is mixed onboard the fishing vessel, all halibut anglers, including unguided anglers, are bound by the International Pacific Halibut Commission annual management measures for guided sport fishing.

Recognizing the challenges for accountability and enforcement when halibut harvested from both guided and unguided  fishing are mixed on the same charter fishing vessel, the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council adopted a purpose and need statement in February 2017. During the October 2017 meeting, the Council modified the purpose and need statement to clarify that the proposed regulatory action applies to fishing vessels and not floating lodges.