Skip to main content
0:12

24:07 - 24:19

“regulations established by Canada and the United States require that halibut that are caught by trawl vessels must must be returned to sea, and it's been that way for decades.”
Speaker
Unidentified speaker
Community
Alaska News
Location
Alaska
Captured at
October 8, 2026

From the transcript

Regulations established by Canada and the United States require that halibut that are caught by trawl vessels must be returned to sea, and it's been that way for decades. 33 Years ago, the industry, in collaboration with what was the predecessor of SeaShare, came to you at the Council and said, "We would like to explore an opportunity to create a prohibited species donation program. Fish that have to be returned to sea, we would like to explore the opportunity opportunity of donating to help address hunger relief concerns that are clearly present. At that time, we suggested that both halibut and salmon be part of the program, and at that time, 33 years ago, the International Pacific Halibut Commission initially expressed concerns about the expansion of that program. They initially disapproved or would not support changes in their regulations that were also required to allow the donation of halibut.

Related Coverage

Glacier Fish, SeaShare present halibut donation permit to council

Glacier Fish and SeaShare asked federal regulators to let the Northern Glacier donate up to 5,000 pounds of halibut it now discards, sending the fish to Western Alaska food banks if approved.

Cover image for article: Glacier Fish, SeaShare present halibut donation permit to council

Trawl groups ask fishery council to shrink Steller sea lion closures; conservation groups object

Trawlers want the North Pacific council to shrink Steller sea lion fishing closures, citing fuel and safety. Conservation groups and a tribal commission object.

Cover image for article: Trawl groups ask fishery council to shrink Steller sea lion closures; conservation groups object