We're headed down to Victoria, BC, for the IPHC Annual Meeting, which kicks off on Monday. At this point, it's really anyone's guess as to what the Commission will do with regards to catch limits. There seems to be a push, primarily from Area 3 stakeholders, for a conservative approach, and particularly to get away from the large ups and downs we've seen in recent years. In 2C, stakeholders feel less inclined to take cuts, because their survey results weren't nearly as bad. There are concerns that the US and Canada won't be able to come to an agreement again this year, similar to what happened back in 2018. We expect the quota market to pick up following the announcement of the catch limit.

The halibut bycatch cap for Bering Sea trawlers will soon be tied to abundance, instead of being a fixed amount. The amendment has been published in the Federal Register and public comments will be accepted through November 7. Submit a comment here.

The next NPFMC meeting will be held February 9-13 in Seattle. Agenda items include final action on the snow crab rebuilding plan, and halibut vessel caps in Area 4. The comment period ends February 3. If you missed the NPFMC meeting last month, check out their December newsletter here.

Friendly reminder: if you have quota held by a corporation or business entity, you need to fill out a Quota Share Holder Identification of Ownership Interest form before you will be issued 2023 permits. Find that form here.

Another friendly reminder: IFQ fees are due by January 31. Fees must be paid online in your eFish account, by navigating to the "Payments" tab, selecting "Pay IFQ Cost Recovery Fees" and submitting payment.