The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed a new regulation requiring a charter halibut stamp for anglers aged 18 and older in Southeast Alaska (IPHC area 2C) and Southcentral Alaska (IPHC area 3A).
The proposed rule mandates that charter vessel anglers purchase a $20 electronic stamp for each day they intend to catch and retain halibut on a charter vessel.
Charter vessel guides will be responsible for validating the stamps before each fishing trip begins, ensuring compliance with the new regulation.
The fees collected from these stamps will be transferred to the Recreational Quota Entity (RQE) to purchase halibut quota shares, supporting the economic stability of the charter halibut fishery.
This initiative aims to promote the goals of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Northern Pacific Halibut Act, ensuring sustainable fishing practices.
The regulation is designed to create a fair system where charter fishing businesses contribute proportionally to the RQE based on the number of anglers they serve.
Public comments on the proposed rule are open until December 2, 2024, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback on the regulation.
