The 2012 IPHC Meeting in Anchorage, AK concluded today.  The 2012 season will open Saturday March 17th and close Wednesday November 7th.  The overall quota was reduced by nearly 20% over last year based on scientific research showing a continued decline in biomass (see area quota's below).

Look for our Pacific Halibut promotional flyer next week!!! 

Comment (2)

Hello from the 88th International Pacific Halibut Commission meetings in Anchorage, AK.  The high today will be a balmy 5°, thank goodness the Processors Advisory Group (PAG) has decided to meet inside!

The first day kicked off with a joint meeting.  The 2012 IPHC Staff Recommendations were presented and discussed.  Two topics I found interesting:

1.       The accuracy of the current scientific model for estimating biomass.  New research shows that the biomass may indeed be less than previously thought and a move to a more conservative model seems inevitable.  With the consistent cut in overall quota the last several years the hope was to see an uptick in biomass but that has yet to be seen.  The IPHC Staff will be working hard in 2012 to provide the most accurate model possible going forward.

2.       A decline in the size of sexually mature halibut continues to be seen.  Further research will be undertaken in hopes of understanding the biology behind this disturbing trend.

After a quick break and bite to eat I headed to the PAG meetings.  The group had great turnout this year and good discourse.  The decreasing size of mature halibut was discussed with the possibility of a lower legal size in the future as well as the suggestion of releasing larger fish in order to return large spawning females to the biomass.  Season dates were voted on and the group is going to recommend an opening date of March 17^th and closing date of October 31^st to the IPHC.  After a few hours of shut eye the PAG reconvened on the second day to finalize their formal recommendations.   A vote was taken and the group approved to adopt the IPHC staff recommendations for catch area quotas.  The PAG will now formally present our recommendations to the IPHC and await their final decision . . .

Thanks for tuning in . . . after receiving recommendations from both the PAG and Conference Board the IPHC will meet to decide the official area quotas and season dates for 2012.  This information will be released Friday morning . . . stay tuned!

Over and out,

Keith Goodnight

Comment (2)

Looks like it will be a rough few years for the Pacific Halibut industry.  Based on current models, the IPHC (International Pacific Halibut Commission) scientists are seeing a decrease in the 'exploitable' biomass.  Research is showing that halibut are physically growing slower based on age and also taking longer to reach sexual maturity.  Not good for the future generations of our flat friends . . . they need to grow up and get busy!

Based on these finding IPHC scientists have recommended severe cuts to the overall quota again for 2012 (~20%), see below for actual recommendations to the commission board.  Final quotas will be determined at the IPHC meetings at the end of January.

Comment (11)

Keith was at the offoad and reported the fish were in excellent condition, perfect for the fresh market.  Northport would like to thank Tim Knapp and the hard working crew (see the guys below) for their hard and diligient work providing excellent halibut ideal for fresh markets nationwide.  We look forward to 2012 and offering the F/V Grant in the year to come.

Stay tuned for more direct deliveries of Fresh Alaskan Halibut in Bellingham over the next month.

Comment (41)

The F/V Winoya made a direct delivery of Alaskan Halibut to Northport in Port in Bellingham, WA last week. Northport will continue to receive local deliveries throughout the remaining fresh season.

Halibut brought to Bellingham is some of the freshest on the market. The fish is kept iced on the short trip to Washington, and processed locally. We typically receive an ideal mix of Halibut sizes, perfect for any need.

Comment (126)

If you are looking for Fresh Alaskan True Cod in February, Northport is the place to call.

The Alaskan state waters in Kodiak open Saturday, February 5th at 12pm. We expect to see boats arrive February 7th for immediate shipment.

Northport will be offering dressed H&G; Pin-Bone-In & Pin-Bone-Out on a regular basis. Additionally, Northport is now certified in the MSC chain of custody.

Historically, the Pot fishing fleet will bring in steady quantities of Cod for several weeks. During that time, Northport will make daily shipments out of Kodiak.

Jig fishing typically produces less Cod due to smaller trips, but we will continue to see deliveries for several months.

Northport has found success booking freight space out of Kodiak, and getting Cod to our customers in a timely manner. Trust us to fill your ad, or cover you through the week.

Comment (75)

Northport is excited to get deeper into our Red King Crab season after our first successful shipments delivered to customers this week.

The season opened Oct. 15^th and we expect Fresh deliveries until the middle of November. During that time, Red will see consistent deliveries with order placements due by 2 PM PT on Fridays. The Red Crab arrives on your doorstep late in the week, perfect for weekend sales.

Golden King Crab will likely see three more deliveries before season end. We also have Frozen Golden Crab available to ship from Anchorage to ensure continuity of supply between deliveries.

Northport will offload the F/V Sunward in Bellingham, WA for shipping next week. Bellingham Halibut comes directly into port, and is typically the freshest Halibut we can offer.

Puget Sound Coho is nearing the end of its season, although we expect to be able to cover our customer’s needs through the end of next week.

For those customers with Chum ads, we have salmon available for the next two weeks. The season will peak around Nov. 1^st; meaning about a 40% of the run is suitable for the fresh Market, graded for skin color, Semi Bright or better. The bright skin color and good meat color will start to fade further into November.

Comment (77)

With a record run of Sockeye in the Fraser River coming to a close, Northport will be setting its sights on Coho and Chum “Keta” Salmon in the coming months.

Johnstone Strait will see its first Chum opener in early October. These Chum are intercepted inrout to rivers in lower British Columbia and Washington state area. Their skin is bright as they are harvested before full maturity, producing the best of Canada’s Keta run. Act quickly because there will only be two 48-hour openings. The Strait will open on Oct. 4^th for two days, and Oct. 18^th for two days.

Chums will also be available in the Puget Sound beginning Oct. 7^th. Traditionally, the runs do not kick into gear until Oct. 15^th. The best Chums are caught in October, but will be available up to Thanksgiving.

Coho are currently being caught in moderate numbers in Bellingham Bay in the Puget Sound. These are competitively priced fish and are looking great. Puget Sound Coho will run for another couple weeks.

Kings are slowing quickly, but can be found in the Puget Sound and Columbia River.

Comment (78)

The Fraser River Sockeye run has now reached an estimated 34 million salmon, up from 25 million last week. The run is the largest of its kind since 1913.

Northport has #1 H&G 4/up Johnstone Strait Sockeye available at Marine View Cold Storage in 1000lb totes.

These Sockeye are ocean caught before reaching the Fraser. Call your sales representative with requests.

Comment (69)

Pacific True Cod will open for its B season on September 1^st through the end of its quota for the year. The B season has 40% of the Cod quota for the year.

We anticipate trawl caught Cod to last roughly a couple days to a week. Those caught by fixed gear (hook and line; pots; jig) will be available for an estimated 3-4 weeks.

Northport will be offering H&G, Pin-Bone-In and Pin-Bone-Out fillets.

Contact your sales representative with questions and orders.

Comment (92)