Early Halibut Opening

[Newf]

I don't want to derail the conversation, but I have a quick question.
I'm from Alberta, and we typically don't make it to our place in Tahsis until April for prawns and then again from June to early September. Halibut fishing has always been open during all our trips, so I haven't paid much attention to the halibut season.
Over the past couple of years, halibut has opened in February and has been classified as an "Early Opening Date." Historically, what has been the opening date for halibut fishing?

These dates are opening dates and want I could find from old fishery Notices that I kept over the last few years:
The number in brackets was our allowable catch that was noted on the notices:
Feb-3-2024
Feb-1-2023 (880,250lbs)
Feb-1-2023 (1,011,750)
Feb-15-2021 (914,750)
Mar-1-2020 (877,750)
Mar-1-2019 (890,013) Of note for 2019: When it opened the max size was 115cm. Possession was 2 but only 1 if it was over 83cm. These limits were changed to bigger sizes mid season. Maybe these size limits would be beneficial for our current year????????

Don't shoot me if any of the numbers are incorrect. Just going by what I could find.

 

[SG2.0]

I have the survey results. Not sure if allowed to distribute them (not sure why wouldn’t) but can tell you June to August is #1 priority. And whole season option wasn’t in top 4 or 5. #2 priority was large sized fish to stay as high as possible. Might seem like full season is many anglers priority due to noise on a public forum when in fact it isn’t (even the avg angler who didn’t fill out survey fish June to August. More so July and August as data shows). (On phone currently and not near a computer and won’t be for a cpl days where survey is)

 

[Keith Brown]

I completely changed my stance on this issue after the US president said today "Canada isn't viable enough to be a real country ". Then again threatened the sovereignty of our country. What a hostile neighbor.

We should as soon as possible look into US citizens to be banned from using public fishery halibut quota and also immediately pay three to four times the license fee. Use those fees to benefit our fishery with more quota if needed. If a US citizen wants to retain halibut they buy their own commercial quota.

It's reasonable response to tarrifs being implemented possibly end of month and also the steel industry tarrifs being announced tommorrow.

We also need to stop fighting amongst ourselves. If Canadians don't have enough quota the Americans need to pay to access it and also pay more in our fishery.

Holy Cow be careful. I think you are watching to much TV. Your response to Trumps rhetoric has you lowering yourself to his level. If I'm not mistaken Washington and Oregon voted against Trump last two elections. If we used your hay wire logic that would mean that we should own what Trudeau did in the last decade. Don't watch so much TV its bad for your health especially your blood pressure

 

[islandboy]

Holy Cow be careful. I think you are watching to much TV. Your response to Trumps rhetoric has you lowering yourself to his level. If I'm not mistaken Washington and Oregon voted against Trump last two elections. If we used your hay wire logic that would mean that we should own what Trudeau did in the last decade. Don't watch so much TV its bad for your health especially your blood pressure

Best to replace TV time with time on the water. Hence the need for longer seasons.
Important to remember and support those who cast votes in the right direction.

 

[Doug]

There is an easy option that is fair to everyone, avoids sacrificing some areas and retains fish sizes.

A flat rate halibut catch reduction of 15% of total season catch ratio for each and every area. The catch ratio number for each area is clearly documented by DFO to determine when we hit our yearly quota, (See attached) so it is easy to see which month that lbs of fish are being caught.

Two major areas represent 70.3% of the lb and catch ratios of the total catch for all of the West Coast.
Haida Gwaii/Prince Rupert areas (1, 2, 3, 4, 5/6) catch 379,516lb which represents 47.6% of the total catch.
The Central West Coast of Vancouver Island (121,123,124,125,126) are catching 262,271 or 22.7% of the total catch.
They account for 641,787lb or 70.3 % of the total catch for all of the West Coast.

If the total catch is to be reduced by 15%, all areas should suffer by the same 15% catch reduction. It would be easy for DFO to set new opening and closure dates for each area, the same way they do for salmon. Each area would have to decide which months they will be closed for halibut fishing and that would be based on monthly catch ratios. It is easy to see and calculate the 15% for each area. Each area should close months or some days to meet the 15% reduction. Everyone will have to sacrifice a few shoulder months but be allowed to keep their most productive months.

Everyone will have to close a few months in their season to meet the 15% catch reduction numbers. But the fish will remain the same slots limit size.

I don’t have the 2023/2024 years catch numbers, so my modeling is from the catch ratio numbers from 2021 (attached) where the total take was 802,266lb. If each area were to shut down during a few shoulder months of their halibut opening, they will meet their 15% reduction of their total catch. Everyone would then suffer the same in loss to meet their 15% reduction in total catch.

Here is just a few examples of how the 15% reduction and closures would work.

Area 4 catche is 130,146lb per yr (16.2%) of total halibut caught) and a 15% reduction would be 19,522lb.
If they shut down Jan, Feb, March 786lb + April 1,207lb + May 17,642lb = 19,635lb. They would meet their 15% reduction.
Halibut fish is only open June, July, Aug, Sept which are their higher catch ratio months.
These closures would also apply to bordering areas such as 1, 2, 3, and 5/6.

Area 123 catch is 79,890lb per yr (10% of total halibut caught) and a 15% reduction would be 11,984lb.
If they shut down Jan to June until 13th = 11,009lb.
They would meet their 15% reduction. So, halibut fishing is only open June 14 to Oct 1st which are their highest catch ratio.
These closures would also apply to boarding areas such as 121, 124, 125, 126, 127.

Areas 19/20 combined because you can fish either area within a 30 minute drive.
Total catch in both areas is 47,167lb ( 5.9% of the total halibut caught) and a 15% reduction would be 7,075lb.
If they shut down areas 19/20, Jan to March 10th and Aug 1st to Dec 31st that would account for 6,973lb and close to the 15%.
Halibut fishing would be open March 10th to July 31 which is the highest catch season

Every area keeps it prime time fishing, the fish size ratio remains the same and everyone suffers the 15% reduction in catch.

This is just a suggestion and the numbers and closures need to be based on last years catch ratios for each area.

 

[Rain City]

There is an easy option that is fair to everyone, avoids sacrificing some areas and retains fish sizes.

A flat rate halibut catch reduction of 15% of total season catch ratio for each and every area. The catch ratio number for each area is clearly documented by DFO to determine when we hit our yearly quota, (See attached) so it is easy to see which month that lbs of fish are being caught.

Two major areas represent 70.3% of the lb and catch ratios of the total catch for all of the West Coast.
Haida Gwaii/Prince Rupert areas (1, 2, 3, 4, 5/6) catch 379,516lb which represents 47.6% of the total catch.
The Central West Coast of Vancouver Island (121,123,124,125,126) are catching 262,271 or 22.7% of the total catch.
They account for 641,787lb or 70.3 % of the total catch for all of the West Coast.

If the total catch is to be reduced by 15%, all areas should suffer by the same 15% catch reduction. It would be easy for DFO to set new opening and closure dates for each area, the same way they do for salmon. Each area would have to decide which months they will be closed for halibut fishing and that would be based on monthly catch ratios. It is easy to see and calculate the 15% for each area. Each area should close months or some days to meet the 15% reduction. Everyone will have to sacrifice a few shoulder months but be allowed to keep their most productive months.

Everyone will have to close a few months in their season to meet the 15% catch reduction numbers. But the fish will remain the same slots limit size.

I don’t have the 2023/2024 years catch numbers, so my modeling is from the catch ratio numbers from 2021 (attached) where the total take was 802,266lb. If each area were to shut down during a few shoulder months of their halibut opening, they will meet their 15% reduction of their total catch. Everyone would then suffer the same in loss to meet their 15% reduction in total catch.

Here is just a few examples of how the 15% reduction and closures would work.

Area 4 catche is 130,146lb per yr (16.2%) of total halibut caught) and a 15% reduction would be 19,522lb.
If they shut down Jan, Feb, March 786lb + April 1,207lb + May 17,642lb = 19,635lb. They would meet their 15% reduction.
Halibut fish is only open June, July, Aug, Sept which are their higher catch ratio months.
These closures would also apply to bordering areas such as 1, 2, 3, and 5/6.

Area 123 catch is 79,890lb per yr (10% of total halibut caught) and a 15% reduction would be 11,984lb.
If they shut down Jan to June until 13th = 11,009lb.
They would meet their 15% reduction. So, halibut fishing is only open June 14 to Oct 1st which are their highest catch ratio.
These closures would also apply to boarding areas such as 121, 124, 125, 126, 127.

Areas 19/20 combined because you can fish either area within a 30 minute drive.
Total catch in both areas is 47,167lb ( 5.9% of the total halibut caught) and a 15% reduction would be 7,075lb.
If they shut down areas 19/20, Jan to March 10th and Aug 1st to Dec 31st that would account for 6,973lb and close to the 15%.
Halibut fishing would be open March 10th to July 31 which is the highest catch season

Every area keeps it prime time fishing, the fish size ratio remains the same and everyone suffers the 15% reduction in catch.

This is just a suggestion and the numbers and closures need to be based on last years catch ratios for each area.

Doug for president.

 

[Derby]

We live in a very mobile time and in any given year anglers fish 2 or 3 or more different area's

There is an easy option that is fair to everyone, avoids sacrificing some areas and retains fish sizes.

A flat rate halibut catch reduction of 15% of total season catch ratio for each and every area. The catch ratio number for each area is clearly documented by DFO to determine when we hit our yearly quota, (See attached) so it is easy to see which month that lbs of fish are being caught.

Two major areas represent 70.3% of the lb and catch ratios of the total catch for all of the West Coast.
Haida Gwaii/Prince Rupert areas (1, 2, 3, 4, 5/6) catch 379,516lb which represents 47.6% of the total catch.
The Central West Coast of Vancouver Island (121,123,124,125,126) are catching 262,271 or 22.7% of the total catch.
They account for 641,787lb or 70.3 % of the total catch for all of the West Coast.

If the total catch is to be reduced by 15%, all areas should suffer by the same 15% catch reduction. It would be easy for DFO to set new opening and closure dates for each area, the same way they do for salmon. Each area would have to decide which months they will be closed for halibut fishing and that would be based on monthly catch ratios. It is easy to see and calculate the 15% for each area. Each area should close months or some days to meet the 15% reduction. Everyone will have to sacrifice a few shoulder months but be allowed to keep their most productive months.

Everyone will have to close a few months in their season to meet the 15% catch reduction numbers. But the fish will remain the same slots limit size.

I don’t have the 2023/2024 years catch numbers, so my modeling is from the catch ratio numbers from 2021 (attached) where the total take was 802,266lb. If each area were to shut down during a few shoulder months of their halibut opening, they will meet their 15% reduction of their total catch. Everyone would then suffer the same in loss to meet their 15% reduction in total catch.

Here is just a few examples of how the 15% reduction and closures would work.

Area 4 catche is 130,146lb per yr (16.2%) of total halibut caught) and a 15% reduction would be 19,522lb.
If they shut down Jan, Feb, March 786lb + April 1,207lb + May 17,642lb = 19,635lb. They would meet their 15% reduction.
Halibut fish is only open June, July, Aug, Sept which are their higher catch ratio months.
These closures would also apply to bordering areas such as 1, 2, 3, and 5/6.

Area 123 catch is 79,890lb per yr (10% of total halibut caught) and a 15% reduction would be 11,984lb.
If they shut down Jan to June until 13th = 11,009lb.
They would meet their 15% reduction. So, halibut fishing is only open June 14 to Oct 1st which are their highest catch ratio.
These closures would also apply to boarding areas such as 121, 124, 125, 126, 127.

Areas 19/20 combined because you can fish either area within a 30 minute drive.
Total catch in both areas is 47,167lb ( 5.9% of the total halibut caught) and a 15% reduction would be 7,075lb.
If they shut down areas 19/20, Jan to March 10th and Aug 1st to Dec 31st that would account for 6,973lb and close to the 15%.
Halibut fishing would be open March 10th to July 31 which is the highest catch season

Every area keeps it prime time fishing, the fish size ratio remains the same and everyone suffers the 15% reduction in catch.

This is just a suggestion and the numbers and closures need to be based on last years catch ratios for each area.

we live in very moble times and any given angler fish multiple areas in a season.. I can personal count at least 15 plus people from the Victoria that now fish Barkley sound yearly or winter harbor or Nootka.. Its a tough one to mange and get accurate data on.. Its hard enough to get accurate data now with what is manage.. Not saying its abad ideal. Just how do you manage that?

 

[Rain City]

We live in a very mobile time and in any given year anglers fish 2 or 3 or more different area's

we live in very moble times and any given angler fish multiple areas in a season.. I can personal count at least 15 plus people from the Victoria that now fish Barkley sound yearly or winter harbor or Nootka.. Its a tough one to mange and get accurate data on.. Its hard enough to get accurate data now with what is manage.. Not saying its abad ideal. Just how do you manage that?

Right! You idiot Doug, get off the ballot.

 

[Fishing?]

We live in a very mobile time and in any given year anglers fish 2 or 3 or more different area's

we live in very moble times and any given angler fish multiple areas in a season.. I can personal count at least 15 plus people from the Victoria that now fish Barkley sound yearly or winter harbor or Nootka.. Its a tough one to mange and get accurate data on.. Its hard enough to get accurate data now with what is manage.. Not saying its abad ideal. Just how do you manage that?

Creel observers

 

[islandboy]

Doug for president.

I thought we had a governor?

 

[bryce]

We live in a very mobile time and in any given year anglers fish 2 or 3 or more different area's

we live in very moble times and any given angler fish multiple areas in a season.. I can personal count at least 15 plus people from the Victoria that now fish Barkley sound yearly or winter harbor or Nootka.. Its a tough one to mange and get accurate data on.. Its hard enough to get accurate data now with what is manage.. Not saying its abad ideal. Just how do you manage that?

With yearly quota?

 

[Doug]

In todays world, pulling a boat to another area costs to much in my opinion. Specially when the grouped areas are so far apart. Gas at $2 lt, accommodations, moorage, wear and tear.... All those costs add up and to maybe catch a halibut under 60lb and most likely a 15lb and maybe two springs.. But there will always be people traveling around. Just like I use to do with 3 other and when I could keep more fish and make it worth my trip.

It is way cheaper to hire a guide who knows where to fish and how catch them and only bring your car and cooler. Support the local guides, it is well worth it.

I just received the Oct 2024 SFAB meeting minute and I would not be surprised in 2025 it will be 1 per day and 1 in your possession. Note in the minutes "halibut biomass is on the decline and it is likely the overall TAC in 2025 will be less. 15% less which is a lot.

I would like to see more people (Canadians) traveling around and spending their $$ in BC communities or even Victoria. I invite anyone to come down to the Victoria area and try fishing. Give me a call and I will go with you and provide some locations and technics.

 

[Doug]

We live in a very mobile time and in any given year anglers fish 2 or 3 or more different area's

we live in very moble times and any given angler fish multiple areas in a season.. I can personal count at least 15 plus people from the Victoria that now fish Barkley sound yearly or winter harbor or Nootka.. Its a tough one to mange and get accurate data on.. Its hard enough to get accurate data now with what is manage.. Not saying its abad ideal. Just how do you manage that?

They manage it the same way they do now, Creel guys and if the quote in that area gets to the max, they shut the season down like they do now. DFO knows what the catch ratio is in each area and when those fish are being caught.
This process will provide equal opportunity for all fisherman and if they what to travel all over the coast to fish do it. Equal opportunity for all.

But, I do think none Canadian residence need to buy halibut quote to fish Canadian waters because, they are eating up are quote. In the past 65% of my clients were Americans, but now 00.
.

 

[ziggy]

They manage it the same way they do now, Creel guys and if the quote in that area gets to the max, they shut the season down like they do now. DFO knows what the catch ratio is in each area and when those fish are being caught.
This process will provide equal opportunity for all fisherman and if they what to travel all over the coast to fish do it. Equal opportunity for all.

But, I do think none Canadian residence need to buy halibut quote to fish Canadian waters because, they are eating up are quote. In the past 65% of my clients were Americans, but now 00.
.

Solid points in fact it might make it easier to concentrate DFO resources on open areas as well as be a pretty equitable solution for all. As to people moving to fish in different areas, aren’t they doing that now for salmon? At a certain point DFO needs to start figuring out things like how to track harvest coast wide (although as you say it really is the same)unlike volunteers, it’s their job.
I think it’s great people are thinking of new solutions.

 

[bryce]

1 halibut possession
102 cm max April 1 opening is what I’m hearing

Unfortunately for myself as a business I don’t think I can provide the service my guests deserve with these regs. I guess I’ll be sending out some emails to see how to move forward.

Although I’m very disappointed and honestly quite sad to see where our fishery is headed, I want to thank every single person who donates time and effort into our fisheries and I really hope we are starting to look into a long term sustainable plan cause as of right now I am embarrassed to see the fisheries we are leaving to my nieces and nephews and all the other children who are growing up learning to love the outdoors and put some food on the table.

Tight lines everyone and have a great season!

 

[scott craven]

Wow, that equates to about a 30 lb fish maximum size.
There will be lots of catch and release this season.

 

[Doug]

Wow, that equates to about a 30 lb fish maximum size.
There will be lots of catch and release this season.

As noted in my past post.

If they close the shoulder seasons in each area that will make up the 15% reduction and the fish size should remain the same. But if we go for a longer season you are correct the max size fish will be small. The worst part is crying when you have to let a bigger halibut go and letting a big halibut off when using a circle hook, is not that easy.

102 cm halibut is 23lb.

 

[fish brain]

We live in a very mobile time and in any given year anglers fish 2 or 3 or more different area's

we live in very moble times and any given angler fish multiple areas in a season.. I can personal count at least 15 plus people from the Victoria that now fish Barkley sound yearly or winter harbor or Nootka.. Its a tough one to mange and get accurate data on.. Its hard enough to get accurate data now with what is manage.. Not saying its abad ideal. Just how do you manage that?

Fair point Derby,
I'm one of those people who travel around, but when I do, the fish I catch would be added to that area's total would it not?

 

[scott craven]

102 cm halibut is 23lb.

Dressed, in the round about 29 lbs

 

[SG2.0]

Brutal decision by the halibut WG. Will leave TAC in water. Mark my words. I’ll happily eat them if I’m wrong, but won’t be. So many other options to look at yet this. WG needs a makeover.

Do know a few put in a lot of hours though, still thanks for that but just a poor, poor decision that will have lasting tourism consequences…and crazy enough still punishes locals.