Oregon: Nearshore Pacific halibut fishery to close July 6

NEWPORT, Ore. – Fishery managers decided to close the central
Oregon coast (Cape Falcon to Humbug Mountain) nearshore (inside 40
fathoms) sport Pacific halibut fishery on 11:59 p.m. Wednesday,
July 6, because the quota is projected to be attained.

“Angler effort per week in the nearshore halibut fishery was
similar to last year; however, 2011 anglers were much better at
catching halibut and the average fish was two pounds heavier,” said
Patrick Mirick, halibut assistant project leader for the Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife.

During the nearshore fishery anglers averaged one fish per four
people in 2011, compared to one fish per five people in 2010. Last
year the nearshore halibut fishery was open until July 17.

Retention of Pacific halibut will again be allowed when the
summer all-depth fishery begins Aug. 5.