There must be a catch: Solutions to inter-‐sectoral conflict in the Alaskan halibut fishery

Abstract

The Alaskan halibut fishery is divided into smaller sectors, which has led to conflict over how to allocate halibut between the various subsets. In the past decade,the various management measures resulting from this conflict have been applied mainly to the unguided recreational (or “charter”)sector. I begin with a general exploration of relevant aspects of commercial and recreational fisheries. From there, I consider the historical and current management situation of the Alaskan halibut fishery. I conclude that while recent developments in the charter sector were appropriate, fishery managers should go further to ensure that their regulations are enforceable and that there will be sufficient flexibility for the charter and commercial sectors to transfer halibut quota between themselves. After comparing and contrasting two potential management solutions for the charter fishery, I conclude that an Individual Fishing Quota (“ITQ”) is the best way to achieve these goals. I go on to consider the unguided recreational portion of the Alaska halibut fishery, and recommend that it receive a cap on growth. I address these recommendations to the International Pacific Halibut Commission (“IPHC”) and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council(“NPFMC”).