Increase to Gulf Atlantic Halibut
May 9, 2023
Today, DFO announced the total allowable catch (TAC) for Gulf Atlantic Halibut for the 2023/24 season, increasing the TAC to 2,145t.
This winter, DFO’s assessment implemented analysis of the the Industry Collaborative Post-Season Tagging Survey, that after six years confirmed the large abundance harvesters have been reporting for the last decade.
“We asked for moderately more than the increase here for a 2-year period, noting that most harvesters support gradual increases. We acknowledge the decision is for one year and if the fishery and the survey continue to show the same positive results we’ll be looking to maintain these type of increases,” said halibut harvester and FFAW-Unifor Executive Board member, Loomis Way.
“Like with snow crab, the primary source of assessment data is coming from harvesters themselves, and this confirms the importance of their direct involvement in the science. Harvesters complete the at-sea work, and have important perspectives to contribute throughout the entire assessment and management process,” says FFAW-Unifor Secretary-Treasurer, Jason Spingle.
The 4R AHSP has 6 fishing periods starting in June and ending in December with over 500 harvesters throughout the region.