Bits and pieces

• The latest issue of The Wheel Watch, newsletter of the Seattle-based Fishing Vessel Owners' Association, reports the following: "HOT, HOT, HOT is the halibut market!" Prices are at $8.50 to more than $9 a pound in Seward, compared to around $6.50 a pound last year. Prices in Dutch Harbor are $6.50 to $6.75.

• The Wheel Watch further reports the North Pacific Fishery Management Council will consider changing the legal age to own individual fishing quotas from 18 years old to 16. "This has been an issue as first-generation holders pass and leave their QS (quota share) to children or grandchildren," the newsletter says.

• A prominent voice on the North Pacific Council has retired. Bill Tweit was the Washington state representative on the council for 20 years, and was vice chair. His replacement is Nate Pamplin, another Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife official.