NOAA Fisheries is seeking an Alaska resident to be seated as a US commissioner on the International Pacific Halibut Commission. A call for nominations was issued via the federal register (91 FR 54700) on August 24 with a submission deadline of September 14.
The list of nominees has not yet been made public.
The IPHC, which was established by a treaty between the US and Canada in 1923, is responsible for the research, conservation, and management of the Pacific halibut stock in waters ranging from the Bering Sea to British Columbia and the west coast states of Washington, Oregon and California. It consists of six commissioners – three appointed by the US president and three appointed by the Governor General of Canada.
NOAA is currently evaluating the candidates while keeping the nominees under wraps.
NOAA/Alaska Region evaluates the nominees based on their experience and direct knowledge of the Pacific halibut fishery, Alaska residency status, and supporting letters of recommendation. Candidate names are forwarded to the US Dept. of State and the appointment is made by the President or Secretary of State.
The selected Commissioner will be formally announced once the vetting and appointment process is complete, prior to the upcoming IPHC interim and annual meetings.
The new Alaska commissioner will replace Richard Yamada, a sportfishing representative from Juneau whose term has expired. The other two US Commissioners are Jon Kurland (NOAA Fisheries/Alaska Regional Administrator) and Robert Alverson of Seattle who represents commercial harvesting interests.
The IPHC interim meeting is set for November 17 and 18 in Seattle. Pacific halibut catch limits for 2027 will be revealed at the IPHC annual meeting on January 25-28, 2027 In Vancouver, British Columbia. \
