Halibut: Pacific

Halibut, Pacific halibut

Hirame

Pacific halibut are found throughout the continental shelves of the North Pacific from Japan to California primarily on sandy seafloor habitats. The fishery is controlled by an international agreement regulated by the International Halibut Commission of the United States and Canada. The management for Pacific halibut is robust and includes annual stock assessments, annual research surveys, and considerable biological knowledge. Sustainability concerns with this fishery in both BC and AK are primarily around issues of bycatch due to the non-selective nature of bottom longlines. Although halibut stocks are presently in decline, the catch rates have been adjusted accordingly and the stock status is considered to be well understood.

The slow growth rate and late age of maturity of Pacific halibut indicate they have “moderate” inherent vulnerability to fishing pressure.

Overall biomass has been declining since the late 1990s; however, spawning biomass is above the threshold reference point and the coast-wide stock is not overfished. The population is well monitored and understood.

The quantity and composition of bycatch in the Alaskan fishery is not fully understood due to limited observer coverage. Other data sources suggest that there is a moderate level of bycatch but not critical conservation concerns.

Bottom longlines are fixed gear and are known to have a moderate impact on habitats and ecosystems however the Alaskan Pacific halibut fishery occurs primarily on sandy bottom areas, which are more resilient to fishing gear than coral or rocky bottoms.

IPHC regularly conducts stock assessments and collects and analyzes data on age, length, sex, maturity, and CPUE. AK Pacific halibut stock productivity has varied, but management has responded quickly by setting conservative harvest rates.

What kind of Halibut is this? (Atlantic or Pacific)

Where is it from?

Moderate mercury advisory + Adults can safely eat more than 4 meals per month + Kids age 6-12 should eat no more than 3 meals per month + Kids up to age 6 should eat no more than 2 meals per month

Yes. The Pacific halibut fisheries of Alaska, Washington and Oregon have been certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council in April of 2006.