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!!! 

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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.

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The Copper River District will open on Thursday May 13th from 7am to 7pm.  We expect a good mix of Kings and Sockeye to be available as both the inside and outside areas are open for fishing.  Historically the first opener or two produces a limited amount of fish and we are currently taking preorders subject to catch.  Call today to ensure your first fish!!!

For those of you interested in retail promotions sockeye will peak the first week of June and historically have been in good supply unitl the middle of June.  During this time we will be offering both H&G and fillets to meet your promotional needs.  Set your ads today! 

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Visit us at Booth #450

Are you coming to Boston this year???

We would love the opportunity to meet with you at the show!  If you are attending please contact us to schedule a time to meet or just stop by the booth. 

We look forward to seeing you in Boston!

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The International Pacific Halibut Commission meetings concluded in Seattle today.  March 6th is the announced opening date and the total quota for 2010 is 50.67 million lbs. (decreased 6.4% from 2009).  Keith represented Northport Fisheries at the Processor Advisory Group (PAG) sessions and was pleased that the Commission adopted both the PAG's recommended opening date and area catch limits for the first time in history!  Additionally, several 'hot' topics surfaced during the week and received particular attention: by-catch mortality, migration patterns and the decreased size of sexually mature halibut.  By-catch was the most talked about topic of the week fueled by a presentation to all groups (fisherman, processors and IPHC commissioners) from Canada’s Ocean and Fisheries urging consideration and cooperation from the US as a 'good neighbor' in reducing Halibut by-catch, even offering assistance if needed.  Another ‘hot’ topic was the continued decrease in average size of mature halibut.  IPHC surveys continue to show a decrease in average size of mature halibut and 2009 catches showed the smallest fish in recorded history.  That being said now is the time to really consider programs that utilize these smaller fish (10/20's) as they will continue to be abundant and larger fish limited in 2010.  Keith reported a conscientious effort by all groups to discuss these topics and feels the Commission should be applauded for their diligent work in maintaining Pacific Halibut as a sustainable resource for years to come.  For detailed results of the IPHC meetings and further information on current research being conducted please visit www.iphc.washington.edu. 

Look for our promotional flyer next week that will include a breakdown of quota by catch area.  With the frozen halibut market virtually dry we anticipate high demand for fresh from the start!

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Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and we wish everyone the best in the New Year!

Our True Cod season opened in the Gulf  of Alaska on January 1st for fixed gear (pot, longline and jig).  Weather was good for fishing and vessels began delivering on the 3rd.  Currently Northport is offering H&G, PBI and PBO fillets on a daily basis and expect to have good  supply for the next 2-3 months.  For more information about this fishery download our promotional flyer found on our 'Home' page.  Now get out there and set those promotions and ads!!!!



The first week of cod has had its challenges . . . weather the latter part of this week has been very poor (weather, fog, etc.) resulting in several cancellations and spiraling into a logistic nightmare.  As usual we are working with the airlines closely to keep things going the best we can but we are yet to find a bribe suitable for Mother Earth . . . any suggestions please let us know :)  That said please contact your sales rep today and allow us to provide you the freshest True Cod available!

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The F/V Sunward delivered their final Alaskan Halibut trip of 2009 today.  As we have come to expect the fish were rock hard and covered in slime!  For those of you lucky enough to have preordered, your fish will be arriving shortly.  Northport would like to thank skipper Clint Mecham and the hard working crew (see the guys below) for their hard and diligent work providing excellent halibut ideal for fresh markets nationwide.  We look forward to 2010 and offering F/V Sunward Alaskan Halibut in the year to come!

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Our Fresh King Crab is arriving nationwide from Dutch Harbor, AK.  The sections look great and overall customers are ecstatic!  There have been a few minor (and a couple major) hiccups this week but we are working diligently to correct these ASAP. 

Today our Royal Aleutian brand crab arrived at Anthony's Homeport in Seattle, WA and was given two thumbs up by the head seafood buyer Tim Ferleman (see above). 

Northport is now taking orders for fresh king crab sections arriving next week, orders must be placed by this Friday Oct. 30th. 

Good luck out there and Happy Halloween!


ps . .  . here's a little flashback of  last year's Halloween costume, please note the old cannery map of Alaska (i.e. the outter rim).  May the force be with you!

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Fresh Puget Sound Keta are in full swing!  Fish are brite and meat color is great (this picture was taken from fish today).  We expect to see good volumes of #1 Brite fish over the next couple of weeks.  This fishery marks the final volume salmon run for the season . . . Act now before wild salmon season is over!

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Alaskan True Cod will close at noon Alaska time October 1st as annouced today by ADF&G.  Going foward we expect to see sporatic opportunites from bycatch (Alaskan Sole fishery) and directed jig fishing (which will reopen Oct. 3rd).  Let us know your True Cod needs and we'll keep an eye out for you!

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