Halibut Allocation

ziggy

Well-Known Member
I asked AI how involved was Donald Trump and his administration was in halibut negotiations this year. 😳. Read below:

The question asked to Gemini AI "Is Donald Trump and his administration controlling US and Canada halibut fishing negotiations."



Yes, the Trump administration has taken a direct and assertive role in U.S.-Canada halibut fishing negotiations.

Traditionally, these negotiations are handled by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), a bilateral body that manages stocks based on scientific data.

However, in early 2026, the administration shifted the tone of these talks, using broader trade leverage to influence fishing quotas.

Key Developments in 2026
Political Appointments: The U.S. delegation at the January 2026 IPHC meeting was led by Drew Lawler, a political appointee from NOAA. This marked a departure from the more administrative or scientific leadership seen in previous years.

Negotiation Tactics: Reports indicate that during private sessions, the U.S. delegation used the threat of economic sanctions and tariffs to pressure Canada into accepting lower quotas.

The Outcome: Following these tense negotiations, the IPHC set the 2026 harvest at a historic low. Notably, while the U.S. quota remained steady, Canada’s British Columbia share was slashed by 7.2%.

Wider Trade Context: These fishing disputes are part of a larger "trade war" environment.
The administration has frequently tied specific industry negotiations (like seafood) to broader goals, such as renegotiating the USMCA (CUSMA in Canada) and addressing trade deficits
 
I asked AI how involved was Donald Trump and his administration was in halibut negotiations this year. 😳. Read below:

The question asked to Gemini AI "Is Donald Trump and his administration controlling US and Canada halibut fishing negotiations."



Yes, the Trump administration has taken a direct and assertive role in U.S.-Canada halibut fishing negotiations.

Traditionally, these negotiations are handled by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), a bilateral body that manages stocks based on scientific data.

However, in early 2026, the administration shifted the tone of these talks, using broader trade leverage to influence fishing quotas.

Key Developments in 2026
Political Appointments: The U.S. delegation at the January 2026 IPHC meeting was led by Drew Lawler, a political appointee from NOAA. This marked a departure from the more administrative or scientific leadership seen in previous years.

Negotiation Tactics: Reports indicate that during private sessions, the U.S. delegation used the threat of economic sanctions and tariffs to pressure Canada into accepting lower quotas.

The Outcome: Following these tense negotiations, the IPHC set the 2026 harvest at a historic low. Notably, while the U.S. quota remained steady, Canada’s British Columbia share was slashed by 7.2%.

Wider Trade Context: These fishing disputes are part of a larger "trade war" environment.
The administration has frequently tied specific industry negotiations (like seafood) to broader goals, such as renegotiating the USMCA (CUSMA in Canada) and addressing trade deficits
And why did our delegation not stand up to those bullying tactics? Why did they not walk out and declared the mutual halibut management over until a respectful atmosphere returns? At least that way Canada could have set its own quota as we please. Sucking up and giving in to bullies has never worked. Elbows up, Canadians!
 
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