Strawman problem statement:
Declines in Halibut CPUE
 
Issue
The catch per unit of effort (CPUE) of halibut in IPHC Area 4C (around the Pribilof Islands) has experienced a sustained and dramatic decline during the past three years. Neither St. George nor St. Paul harvested all of their halibut CDQ allocations in 2003 (the combined harvest of both communities was 45% of their total allocations).

Why Do We Care
The commercial halibut fishery (both IFQ and CDQ) is of critical economic, cultural and social importance to the communities of St. George and St. Paul. The fishery is the largest private sector employer during the summer on St. Paul and an important contributor on St. George. Aside from jobs and the revenues generated, the fishery provides an opportunity for local residents to engage in at-sea activities that maintain their cultural and traditional heritage.

Safety concerns and risk to human life are also increased by the declining CPUE as local residents venture farther to sea in an effort to harvest halibut.

The decline also adversely affects non-Pribilof Islands residents who own halibut quota shares since they, as well, have been unable to harvest their quotas.

Stakeholder Concerns

  • There is concern regarding the health of the halibut resource and the cause(s) of the decline;
  • There are safety concerns for the lives of local fishermen who may venture too far from shore in pursuit of their harvests; and
  • There is concern that the fishery may become economically unviable given the high cost of fuel and the length of time required to harvest halibut.
Status of Action to Address Problem
Preliminary analysis has looked at halibut bycatch by various groundfish fisheries in and around the Pribilof Islands. More in depth analysis is required, including a review of environmental factors (such as sea temperature changes).

Speculation about why the problems exists
At present the reason for the decline in halibut availability is not known. Speculation centers on:

  • Bycatch by the commercial groundfish fleet operating in proximity to the islands during the period shortly before and/or during the halibut season, resulting in the interception of halibut before they complete their migration to the grounds around the Pribilof Islands (localized depletion);
  • Bycatch by the commercial fisheries in other locations in the Bering Sea leading to a cumulative decline in the halibut resource around the Pribilof Islands; and
  • Environmental factors, such as changes in sea water temperature and other ecological conditions.
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