IFQ May 2023

HALIBUT

The 2023 halibut season is underway, and harvest has begun in 2C, 3A, and 3B. Dock prices are down a little from their highs in 2022, but remain relatively strong. Market activity for halibut quota is slightly slower since the season began, but there continues to be sales of 3A. Supply of unblocked is declining for 3A/3B, but remains high for all of area 4. We expect continued activity through the spring, but for that to slow leading into the summer.

SABLEFISH

The 2023 sablefish season is underway at the time of this writing, with approximately 20% of the TAC harvested in SE and WY. Market activity has been slow but sales have occurred in all areas of the GOA. Availability of IFQ for sale is high across area and class. Demand remains relatively low due to poor ex-vessel prices, particularly for small fish. We expect the market to remain slow and steady through the spring.