Halibut charter fisherman feel the restraining order has come too late, and has forced sport fisherman to look elsewhere for a charter where they can catch more than one halibut. Photo courtesy SuprerViewer Joyscoop. Click here to view the original.
Story Created:
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:03 PM AKDT
Story Updated:
Jun 11, 2008 at 2:03 PM AKDT
A temporary restraining order has created quite a stir amongst commercial halibut fisherman in southwest Alaska. The two-fish limit for charter fisherman has left the harvesters disappointed.
Further frusturation has resulted from the filing of a corresponding lawsuit, said Halibut Coalition member Charlie Wilber. Over the last two years commercial fisherman have seen a 43-percent reduction in their halibut quota.
Granted on Tuesday, the restraining order halts a recent National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service rule limiting charter fisherman to one halibut. Charter business that cater to sport fisherman have already been hurt by the new rule, said charter operator Tom Dawson.
Dawson argued that some clients have rebooked trips to areas where they will be assured of being able to catch two fish.
