Alaska Halibut

The U.S. Alaska Pacific halibut commercial fisheries were awarded continued certification in May 2023. Vessels operating in the certified Alaska halibut fisheries employ benthic longline gear. The certificate encompasses management by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) as well as U.S. federal and Alaska state management authorities. Fishing occurs in the federal waters of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Alaska, and in Alaska state waters. Harvest occurs in three areas: the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea / Aleutian Islands, and Southeast Alaska. Alaska halibut females can grow to be over 8 feet long and weigh over 500 lbs. They are a long-lived species with a lifespan of up to 55 years.The Alaska Pacific halibut fishery is assessed in combination with the Alaska sablefish fishery.

Certification Reports

Fishery Info

When and Where They’re Harvested

Fishing for U.S. Alaska Pacific halibut occurs in federal waters of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Alaska, and in Alaska state waters. Harvest occurs in three areas: the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea / Aleutian Islands, and Southeast Alaska.

Fishing for U.S. Alaska Pacific halibut occurs between March and November.

How They’re Harvested

The only legal fishing method for U.S. Alaska halibut is longline gear. Longline halibut fishing vessels are usually independently run by owner-operators. The smallest are less than 50 feet in length, although most are somewhat larger.

Longline gear is composed of groundline, buoy lines, and gangions, which are short pieces of line with hooks on the end. Longlines are set along the seabed, with baited hooks every few yards. Longline hooks are retrieved one at a time.

Source: https://www.alaskaseafood.org/alaska-seafood-101/seasonality-harvesting/#longline

How The Fishery Is Managed

Management of the U.S. Alaska Pacific halibut fishery is a collaborative process between state, federal and international management authorities. The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) assesses stocks and sets catch limits annually. From these limits, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) allocates federal quota to fishermen and the National Fisheries Marine Service (NMFS) develops and enforces federal regulations.

How vessel LaboUr is regulated

Vessels harvesting halibut that is certified by CSI under the U.S. Alaska Pacific halibut certificate operate exclusively within Alaska state waters and federal waters of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Alaska state and U.S. federal law regulate the treatment of workers on vessels that harvest certified U.S. Alaska Pacific halibut.

Taste And Texture

With its firm, flaky texture and delicate flavor, Alaska Pacific halibut has earned its reputation as one of the world’s premium whitefish. This lean, mild and meaty whitefish is extremely versatile for use in a variety of different recipes that include baking, grilling, searing, sautéing, and steaming.

Source: https://www.alaskaseafood.org/

Nutrition

Alaska halibut is an excellent source of lean, high-quality protein and marine derived omega-3 fatty acids. The high protein content of Alaska Pacific halibut is easily digestible, and has all nine amino acids the body can’t produce itself.

Alaska Halibut

Serving Size: 3oz (85g) cooked

Calories

90

Protein 19g

Fat1g

Saturated Fat0g

Sodium70mg

Cholesterol50mg

Omega-3s DHA+EPA201mg

Vitamin B121.1mcg

Vitamin A20mcg

Vitamin D5.0mcg

Selenium47mcg

Potassium450mcg

Iron0.2mg

Calcium 10mg

Source: https://www.alaskaseafood.org/health-nutrition/nutrition-information/#nutrition-values

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