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.

The Pacific halibut fishery in British Columbia is fully exploited and the biomass is now experiencing a decline after experiencing a 30 year high. There is little uncertainty surrounding the stock status and catch limits are reduced in accordance to robust stock assessments.

Approximately 27% of all the biomass captured by Pacific halibut long-lines is subsequently discarded. Bycatch includes rockfish species, skates, dogfish, sablefish and undersized halibut. Since 2006 a new program has been in effect to monitor and control bycatch.

Bottom longlines used are considered to have a moderate impact on seafloor habitats.

New habitat protection measures are not reflected in this assessment and therefore the ranking of this criteria may change.

Since the time of this assessment, there have been several progressive changes made to this fishery including 100% monitoring using video cameras, a system of rockfish conservation areas, and enforceable catch limits on bycatch species.

Reassessment of this fishery will result in a change to the ranking of this criteria.

Yes. The Pacific halibut bottom longline fishery of British Columbia was certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council on September 30th, 2009.