According to IPHC new research operations will be conducted off Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska during 2009 and will be selling halibut caught during the operations to offset costs associated with conducting the survey. IPHC said that the commission is intended to notify the industry of the IPHC plan to sell fish and seeks offers for fish sales arrangements from interested buyers.
It is expected that all landings will be between early June and early September, 2009. Approximately 15 vessels may be involved in the survey, and average trip size for halibut is expected to range from 8,000 to 45,000 pounds. Lesser amounts of rockfish and Pacific cod may also be landed. It is said that all of the fish will be well iced, and will keep all of the fish less than six days old when selling into markets where the fish are marketed fresh. Older fish may be landed when selling into frozen markets.
The Commission informed that this year all sales will be awarded based on our objectives of achieving a fair market price and distributing sales among buyers and ports. Sale agreements will be based on prices at the time of the sale. The Commission will not enter into any consignment or profit-sharing arrangements. The Commission plans to contact interested halibut buyers prior to each landing.
The Commission informed that preferences will be given to buyers with a history of successfully marketing halibut and following ethical business practices. In awarding sales, the Commission will consider important points such as price; the number of years buyers have been buying and marketing halibut; how fish are graded at the dock including the determination of No. 2 halibut and chalky fish; and promptness in settlements following deliveries.
