OUTDOORS: Stability sought in halibut tonnage

If all goes as hoped at this week’s meetings in Victoria, the Makah Tribe will again play a role in maintaining access to a proper share of the Pacific halibut catch for the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s Area 2A (Washington, Oregon and California).

Makah Tribal Council Vice Chair Patrick Depoe submitted a proposal to maintain Area 2’s total constant exploitable yield (TCEY) at 1.65 million pounds per year for 2023-2027.

The halibut commission annually determines the amount of halibut available for harvest in Area 2A based on stock assessment information and harvest policy.

Once the total constant exploitable yield (TCEY) is determined, projected bycatch and wastage mortality are subtracted to produce the fishery constant exploitable yield (FCEY) or total allowable catch (TAC).

After accounting for non-directed discard mortality, the 2A FCEY for 2022 was 1.49 million pounds. This static framework has served to provide stability to Area 2A fisheries.

And Washington recreational anglers account for about 250,000 pounds of halibut quota each year.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife expressed its “continued for support for an Area 2A TCEY floor of 1.65 million pounds” in a letter to the IPHC.

“The proposal document submitted by Mr. Patrick Depoe and the Makah Tribe summarizes the justification well,” the letter stated. “We also emphasize that WDFW’s original support for the Area 2A TCEY floor in 2019 was based on the science and an understanding that the level of harvest in Area 2A would not negatively impact the Pacific halibut stock. In reviewing the summary of the data, stock assessment, and harvest decision table document provided for this meeting, our confidence in this view has only grown.”

The letter goes on to state that fishing intensity and stock biomass are performing well.

Tapping time

Quilcene’s Ward Norden wrote in last week to discuss tapping his native big leaf maples.

“At long last it is time to start tapping our native big leaf maples to start making syrup, drink mixers and maybe even candy,” Norden said. “If the weather forecast is right … with relatively dry weather, cool mornings and days into the high 40s with some sun, this means production could be excellent.

“The hard drought during the summer followed by heavier rains will likely make for higher-quality sap that is darker and richer. The trees will make that decision, however, and at least each of our trees seems to have a sense of humor about my predictions.”

More in Sports

KEITH THORPE/PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
Port Angeles' Kaleb Mullen, right, looks back at North Kitsap catcher Greyson Prichard after making it home in the second inning as Mullen's teammate, Rylan Politia waits to bat on Tuesday at Volunteer Field.
Sequim's Simon Hare (15) heads the ball against Bainbridge in Sequim on Tuesday. (Michael Dashiell/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
PREP SOCCER: Sequim narrowly loses to Bainbridge

Sequim scored first and came close to equalizing late, but… Continue reading

Forks' Gunner Rogers pitches to a Pe Ell/Willapa Valley batter in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday at Fred Orr Park. Rogers was the winning pitcher in a 10-6 victory. (Lonnie Archibald/for Peninsula Daily News)
AREA SPORTS BRIEFS: Kids’ fishing derby to be held April 6

The Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishers are sponsoring another Kids’… Continue reading

Port Angeles softball player Lynzee Reid pitches against Bremerton last week. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Lynzee Reid, Port Angeles softball

Port Angeles’ Lynzee Reid had a great week for the Roughriders softball… Continue reading

Klahhane gymnasts and brothers Liam and Conor DeWolf both won all-around state championships earlier this month in Vancouver. (Courtesy photo)
MEN’S GYMNASTICS: Klahhane brothers all-around state champs

Brothers Conor DeWolf, 16, and Liam DeWolf, 14, both won… Continue reading

Wings Up defeated the fall league champion I’d Hit That earlier this month 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 28-26) to win the Peninsula Volleyball League’s Winter League A Division championship at Peninsula College. Wings Up, made up of players mostly from the Sequim area, finished the regular season atop the standings with an 8-1 record before advancing through the playoffs. Set For Life placed third. From left, back row, are Ben Cowan, Cody Cowan and Jared Fodge. From left, front row, are Tayler Breckenridge, Brittney Gale and Tristen Myers. Not pictured is Allie Gale. (Peninsula College)

 
 

Photo (L-R) Ben Cowan, Cody Cowan, Jared Fodge

Tayler Breckenridge, Brittney Gale, Tristen Myers

Not pictured: Allie Gale
PENINSULA VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE: Wings up, Chewblocka champions and A and B leagues

(Top) Wings Up defeated the fall league champion I’d Hit That earlier… Continue reading

PREP BASEBALL: Rivals get solid pitching, but lose to Cascade Christian

The East Jefferson baseball team got an outstanding performance this… Continue reading