New Daily Stamps Required for Alaska Charter Halibut Fishing
Published Date: 7/7/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting now, anyone 18 or older who fishes for halibut on a charter boat in parts of Alaska must buy a special electronic stamp for each fishing day. Charter boat operators have to make sure every adult angler has a valid stamp before fishing. This new rule helps keep the halibut fishing business steady and fair while supporting important fishing laws.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Daily electronic halibut stamp required
If you are 18 years of age or older and plan to catch and keep halibut on a charter boat in IPHC regulatory areas 2C (Southeast Alaska) or 3A (South Central Alaska), you must have a charter halibut electronic stamp for each charter vessel fishing trip day or for each calendar day of a multi-day trip. Charter vessel operators and guides must ensure every adult angler has a valid stamp before fishing.
Charter halibut permit holders must buy stamps
Persons who hold charter halibut permits (CHPs) are required to purchase charter halibut electronic stamps from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
Guides must validate each adult angler's stamp
Charter vessel guides are required to validate a charter halibut electronic stamp for each adult (18 years or older) angler who intends to catch and retain halibut on a charter vessel fishing trip.
Fee collection authorized for RQE program
This final rule authorizes fee collection for the Recreational Quota Entity (RQE) Program to support the charter halibut stamp requirement and related program activities.
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