Pacific Halibut Fisheries; Pacific Halibut Catch Limits for Area 2A Fisheries in 2018

This interim final rule sets the 2018 Pacific halibut catch limit in the International Pacific Halibut Commission's Regulatory Area 2A off Washington, Oregon, and California. The International Pacific Halibut Commission, at its annual meeting, did not recommend 2018 catch limits for any of its regulatory areas, including Area 2A. The best available scientific information indicates the Pacific halibut stock is declining. Without NMFS action, a higher Area 2A catch limit would remain in place for 2018. The Secretary of Commerce has authority to establish regulations that are more restrictive than those adopted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission. An interim final rule is necessary to ensure that lower 2018 halibut catch limits are in place at the start of the tribal fishery March 24, 2018, and before incidental halibut retention in the sablefish and salmon fisheries begins on April 1, 2018. This action is intended to enhance the conservation of Pacific halibut.