With regard to managing the Pacific halibut resource:
The Department shall support management regimes
that preserve, protect, and perpetuate the long-term
health and stability of the Pacific halibut resource
and that minimize the incidental catch of groundfish
species subject to rebuilding programs.
The Department will participate in and represent
the state’s interest within the International
Pacific Halibut Commission process.
The Department shall manage halibut fisheries
consistent with the regulations of the International
Pacific Halibut Commission and the provisions in the
Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Catch Sharing
Plan.
The Department shall support management strategies,
including at-sea observer programs, that result in
the accurate accounting of halibut bycatch in non-directed
fisheries. In addition, the Department will work in
cooperation with fishing industry representatives
to develop and implement management measures designed
to reduce halibut bycatch and bycatch mortality in
non-directed fisheries.
Allocation between tribal and non-tribal fisheries
shall be consistent with U.S. v. Washington.
The area north of Point Chehalis shall be managed
for the primary benefit of the recreational fishery,
while providing for incidental catches in the limited
entry primary sablefish longline fishery (north of
Point Chehalis) and salmon troll fishery (coastwide)
consistent with the catch sharing plan.
The Department shall manage each recreational
sub-area to ensure port sub-quotas are not exceeded.
The Department will develop and support management
measures that consider historic catch, recent halibut
season lengths, utilization of existing allocations,
economic benefits derived from the fishery, benefits
to the state, and other recreational fishing opportunities.
The Department shall work with commercial and
recreational constituents through the ad hoc Halibut
Advisory Group when developing and implementing management
measures.
