NOAA Fisheries announced a sixth fishing period for the 2026 Area 2A non-Tribal directed commercial Pacific halibut fishery. The additional period will run from 8:00 a.m. September 15 through 6:00 p.m. September 17, with a vessel catch limit of 5,000 pounds dressed weight.
NOAA estimates approximately 37,450 pounds of the fishery’s 261,211-pound allocation remained available following the first five fishing periods.
The additional fishing period provides another opportunity for West Coast commercial seafood operators and processors to participate in the halibut fishery. Members involved in harvesting, purchasing, processing or marketing Pacific halibut should review the applicable federal requirements and plan accordingly for the September 15 opening.