Halibut Discard Mortality Rates

Halibut discard mortality rates (DMRs) are reviewed each year as part of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s groundfish harvest specifications process and are used for in-season management of halibut prohibited species catch (PSC) relative to limits established for GOA and BSAI groundfish fisheries.

DMRs are currently specified for eleven operational groups that comprise unique combinations of area, gear, and handling characteristics that affect halibut mortality. Prior to Council specification, DMRs are calculated by an interagency workgroup and reviewed by the Council’s BSAI and GOA Groundfish Plan Teams and the SSC.