International Pacific Halibut Commission

13/11/2025

Hello from Prince Rupert, the City of Rainbows!

There has been a lot of ebb and flow in offload frequency throughout the year with weather being a main driver. There are multiple offloading locations in Prince Rupert and Port Edward where the fish are unloaded, and most are promptly trucked elsewhere for further processing.

My role as a Field Data Specialist is to collect biological data from Pacific halibut when they are offloaded as well as fishing logbook (catch and effort) information from fishing vessel captains. I also collect tagged fish data, distribute tag collection rewards, and act as the sole representative of the IPHC in Prince Rupert and Port Edward, performing other duties as needed. Being part of a collaborative organisation that helps keep the Pacific halibut fishery sustainable is an honor, and I look forward to continuing my work with the IPHC.

Zephan

30/09/2025

Hello from the Emerald Isle, I’m Staci, the IPHC’s Fisheries Data Specialist (Field) in Kodiak, Alaska!

My role is to collect biological data that helps assess the health and sustainability of the Pacific halibut stock. This means gathering otoliths (the inner ear bones used to determine a fish’s age), genetic samples, lengths, and weights. I also work with vessel captains to record gear details, set locations, catch weights, and other factors that influence fishing data.

A big part of my job is making sure all stakeholders’ voices are heard by the Commission because every perspective matters in fisheries management.

This fishing period started off a little slow here in Kodiak, but it picked up quickly! We’ve welcomed vessels from right here at home and as far away as the Aleutian Islands. Thanks to a steady, high Pacific halibut price, spirits are high on the docks. So far this year, I’ve collected over 950 biological samples from over 78 landings, and it’s only my first year with the IPHC!

I feel lucky to be working in such a beautiful place… though to be fair, every IPHC field location is in a spectacular port. Here’s to more great days on the docks and healthy Pacific halibut for the future!

23/09/2025

Hello from Unalaska!

I am happy to be working with the incredible Pacific halibut fishery this year, collecting over 1600 otoliths so far! Deliveries began arriving in Dutch Harbor, Alaska in May, increasing in July, and have been holding steady ever since. Otolith (ear bone) collection is an important slice of the data gathered here. The otoliths are the primary structures used to determine the age of a fish, featuring growth rings that can be viewed under a microscope to identify growing seasons, much like the concept of counting tree rings. The growth zones can be made more distinctive with the help of some chemicals; however, this means the otolith can’t be used for other elemental analysis. To provide otoliths for future studies into the fish’s environmental context, a proportion of the otoliths collected here are reserved chemical-free for the Clean Otolith Archive Collection (COAC). These can be used to dig into things such as the temperatures, diets, origins, and migration patterns of the fish.

Getting to see the familiar faces returning to these docks is one of my favorite parts of my job. It takes dedication, skill, and an unwavering spirit to make a living from these waters. Thank you for sharing your stories, your time, and your wisdom!

Bailey

22/09/2025

Hello from the Pacific halibut capital of the world: Homer, Alaska!

It has been another busy and exciting Pacific halibut fishing period here in Homer. The port continues to be one of the most active in IPHC Regulatory Areas 3A and 3B, with steady offloads keeping things moving all summer long. There have been over 300 landings in Homer to date, with 4.45 million pounds of area 3A Pacific halibut caught and 1.54 million pounds of 3B caught. Many vessels have split their time between Pacific halibut and salmon this season, but even with the overlap, the Pacific halibut fleet here has been keeping busy.

As a Fisheries Data Specialist (Field) with the IPHC, my role is to collect both fishing and biological data from Pacific halibut to support sustainable management of the stock. One of the crucial pieces of data we collect are otoliths, which are ear bones used to determine the age of the fish. So far this season, over 1,200 otoliths have been collected here in Homer! Each one helps build a clearer picture of the population and contributes to the coastwide stock assessment.

The community here in Homer is always great to work alongside. Between the active fishing fleet, the lively harbor, and the mix of weather that ranges from calm blue-sky days to raging storms, there’s never a dull moment.

– Carly

21/07/2025

Employment opportunities: 2026 and 2027 IPHC Fisheries Data Specialist (Field)

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking to hire Fisheries Data Specialists (Field) (FDS(F)) for deployment in ports coastwide (in Canada and the USA) for 2026 and 2027.

Under the direction of the Port Operations Coordinator who reports to the Executive Director, the FDS(F) position is responsible for the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s (IPHC) port operations in a designated. The FDS(F) will act as the lead on all duties in their assigned location, including, but not limited to, collecting logbooks, fish tags, and biological specimens, and representing the IPHC Secretariat in the field.

The deadline for the initial review of applications is 03 August 2025. The positions will remain open until filled.

See the complete listing on the IPHC website Opportunities page for more information.

Opportunities The IPHC is a public international organization and is not restricted by the nationality of candidates. IPHC Position Vacancies 2026 and 2027 Fisheries Data Specialist (Field) IPHC Consultant Offers NO CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES IPHC Research Charters 2025 IPHC Fecundity Study Tender Specif...

16/07/2025

Hello all from St. Paul Island!

2025 is the second year of IPHC sampling returning to this port, and it has been great to be able to work closely with the community out here. So far this season, there are six boats fishing out of St. Paul, each captained by local community members. You can really feel how tight-knit the island is. Whenever a vessel comes in to offload their catch, family members often come by to greet their loved ones and reconnect after a long day of fishing.

The weather changes wildly here from day to day, going from lovely clear blue skies one day to foggy and raining with 40mph gusts the next. But the vessels do not let a little weather scare them. As long as they deem the conditions of the forecast safe, they’ll be out there!

So far, there have been over 500 biological samples taken, and St. Paul is only getting started!

Once again, a big shout-out to the wonderful community and all the fishing crews here on St. Paul Island.

Kit

02/07/2025

Greetings from Seward, Alaska!

The start of the Pacific halibut fishing period this year was marked by typical back-to-back storms this spring, which kept catch rates down. However, they predictably picked up in May as the weather improved. Many factors determine where vessels will be landing their catch, including weather, price at the dock, distance to fishing grounds, and more. In general, yearly Pacific halibut landings into Seward over the past five years (2020-2024) have been between 7-11% of the total weight landed coastwide. In the 3.5 months of the 2025 fishing period, about 3% has been brought into Seward, so with another 4.5 months to go, I am expecting another 4-7% to be landed here.

As a Fisheries Data Specialist in the field for the IPHC, my job is to collect biological data from Pacific halibut, including age, s*x, length, and weight, as well as log information from captains regarding gear set and locations, total pounds caught per set, and other factors that affect the fishing. Having been with IPHC for several years, I maintain that the biggest reason I keep coming back every year is to be that connecting piece between the industry and the management. Welcome to Seward!

- Binget

30/05/2025

30 May 2025

SEATTLE – Setline Survey Specialists (Field) came from across the globe for training at the IPHC HQ in Seattle, WA, this week. Nine specialists met with the HQ team to help prepare each other for a successful and safe 2025 Fishery Independent Setline Survey (FISS).

The FISS will begin this weekend with first hooks being deployed from the FV Vanisle in the Charlotte charter region (IPHC Regulatory Area 2B – Canada) on Sunday morning, 1 June 2025. Other vessels will begin work next week and into June/early July.

Please join us in wishing them a safe and productive FISS season.

22/05/2025

Hello from the Capital!

It has been a rainy spring here in Juneau though that hasn’t deterred the number of Pacific halibut landings making this port relatively busy. Fish seem to be larger than last year with 150 sampled Pacific halibut weighing about 2720kg (6,000lbs), and one sampled fish weighing in at 50kg (112lbs)!

There have been more landings than usual for me this time of year. Vessels have been out fishing steadily, and, as always, Alaskan fishers rise to meet whatever the season brings. I love seeing all the friendly faces and wonderful captains who make my job worthwhile; all feedback and support is much appreciated.

Here's hoping Juneau sees some more sun in the coming days. The rain is refreshing, but I think everyone would like some more sunshine!

Phoenix

10/04/2025

Employment opportunity: IPHC Fisheries Data Specialist (Field) – St. Paul, Alaska, USA

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) is seeking to hire a Fisheries Data Specialist (Field) (FDS(F)) for deployment in St. Paul, Alaska, USA.

Under the direction of the Port Operations Coordinator who reports to the Executive Director, this FDS(F) position is responsible for the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s (IPHC) port operations in St. Paul, Alaska. The FDS(F) will act as the lead on all duties in St. Paul including, but not limited to, collecting logbooks, fish tags, and biological specimens, and representing the IPHC Secretariat in the field.

The deadline for the initial review of applications is 18 April 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

See the complete listing on the IPHC website Opportunities page for more information.

Opportunities The IPHC is a public international organization and is not restricted by the nationality of candidates. IPHC Position Vacancies Manager / Senior Manager, Administrative Services (Acct, HR & IT) Apply Administrative Specialist Apply Fisheries Data Specialist (Field) Apply IPHC Consultan...

18/03/2025

SEATTLE – The 2025 commercial Pacific halibut fishery is scheduled to open at 06:00 local time on 20 March in all IPHC Regulatory Areas, except IPHC Regulatory Area 2A. This opening reflects the recommendations outlined in Section 9 (Commercial Fishing Periods) of the 2025 IPHC Fishery Regulations.

The announcement of the opening date follows the approval of the 2025 IPHC Fishery Regulations by Canada and by the United States of America.

For IPHC Regulatory Area 2A, commercial fishing periods will be announced separately by NOAA Fisheries and published in the Federal Register.

View the full media release on our website here https://conta.cc/3DP8KWG

31/01/2025

SEATTLE – The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) has completed the 101st Session of the IPHC Annual Meeting (AM101) held in Vancouver, BC, Canada (27-31 January 2025), with decisions on total mortality limits, fishing period dates, and other fishery regulation changes. The adopted report of the meeting may be found at the following link:https://www.iphc.int/uploads/2025/01/IPHC-2025-AM101-R-Report-of-the-AM101-1.pdf

The Commission adopted the TCEY mortality limits for each IPHC Regulatory Area as shown in Table 1. The FCEY values resulting from the adopted TCEY mortality limits, are detailed in Table 2.

The adopted mortality limits for each Contracting Party represent a 15.8% decrease from 2024.

The IPHC recommended an overall fishing period beginning at 06:00 local time on 20 March 2025 to 23:59 local time and end on 7 December 2025 for all directed commercial Pacific halibut fisheries in Canada and the USA.

View the full media release on our website here: https://www.iphc.int/2025/01/31/iphc-2025-mr-003-completion-of-the-101st-session-of-the-iphc-annual-meeting-am101/