The National Marine Fisheries Service is taking public comment until Aug. 12 on the proposed halibut catch sharing plan.
As expected, the plan is drawing considerable opposition. And the opposition has succeeded in sinking past attempts to end Alaska's halibut war.
Deckboss yesterday saw the above advertisement on an Alaska news site. Clicking on the ad took me
here, where we learn that halibut charter operators are lining up lawyers, lobbyists and donations to try to block the catch sharing plan.
The plan would establish a clear allocation of halibut between the rival charter and commercial fleets.
To supporters, the plan would settle the rivalry, allow enough halibut for both sectors, and protect fish stocks.
To opponents, the catch sharing plan means charter anglers "will have their halibut taken away and then offered back to them, for rent."
Tony Weaver, a sportfishing columnist for the Anchorage Daily News, yesterday offered
his take on the plan.
He urges the sportfishing masses to oppose it, saying: "I don't want to end up getting my halibut at Costco."
Any comeback, commercial guys?