Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis)
Research

Most research on halibut is conducted by, or in conjunction with, the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). The IPHC conducts annual longline surveys to monitor changes in abundance, as well as age, sex, and size structure of the population. The IPHC conducts research on movements, spawning, and various other aspects of halibut biology. Much of this information is incorporated into stock assessment models that are used to estimate abundance and evaluate alternate harvest strategies. These stock assessment methods and policies are periodically examined to ensure that they are as accurate as possible and provide for optimum yield. Research has also been conducted by numerous other individuals and agencies.

The IPHC and NMFS monitor commercial halibut harvests. The State of Alaska monitors recreational halibut harvests through mail surveys, logbooks for the charter recreational fishery, and on-site sampling for biological and fishery characteristics. The state also monitors subsistence harvests using a mail survey combined with personal contacts.