Development and Evolution of the Alaska Halibut and Sablefish Fisheries

This Technical Memo describes and analyzes the evolution of the Alaska region Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) and sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) fisheries over the past 125 years. The development of these fisheries spans seven eras, each characterized by unique opportunities, challenges, and management innovations. The figures presented herein illustrate how these fish populations and fisheries have fluctuated in response to historical events that include the amount of fishing but also other aspects that have affected the fisheries.