RESULTS OF MANAGEMENT 



When management began in 1932 the stocks of halibut were depleted by over- 

 fishing. Under scientific management the stocks of Pacific halibut were gradually 

 rebuilt by holding the permitted increases in catch to slightly below what growth and 

 the new recruits or young fish were providing. This conservation program was carried 

 out over a period of 30 years in a manner designed to cause as little disturbance as 

 possible to the industry. 



By the earlv 1960's the stock of halibut had reached levels that were providing 

 the largest vields that the grounds could sustain from year to year. This is referred 

 to as the maximum sustainable yield or MSY. However, the North American set- 

 line halibut fleet has not received full benefit from this rebuilt halibut stock. 



Since the earlv 1960's there has been an increase in both bottom -fish trawlino 

 and blackcod (sablefish) setline fishing by foreign vessels over much of the halibut's 

 range. The domestic trawl fisherv off British Columbia has also increased since 1960. 

 The losses and removals of halibut by such fishing have sharply diminished the 

 halibut fleet's share of the increased productivity. 



However, these current developments cannot detract from the wisdom and fore- 

 sight manifested by Canada and the United States nearly 50 years ago when inter- 

 national management of the halibut resource was instituted by those two countries. 



The rebuilt stocks and larger yields continue to be assets of major dimensions 

 to the fishery economies of both countries. Also, by such husbandry and prolonged 

 restraint Canada and the United States have acquired a special interest in and a just 

 claim to the resource. 



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