NMFS published two information bulletinsfor the 2017 sablefish IFQ fisheries. The halibut fishery is also set to open on March 11th.
Here is a link to the information bulletin announcing the March 11, 2017, opening date for the sablefish fixed gear fisheries.
Here is a link to the information bulletin announcing the March 11, 2017, effective date for the final rule to authorize longline pot gear in the Gulf of Alaska sablefish IFQ fishery. The bulletin also provides a link to the pot gear frequently asked questions document posted on the NMFS web site.
Big thanks to the folks at NMFS and our Congressional delegation who helped move this through quickly!