Alaska halibut fishermen report that switching to Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs) allowed them to earn more, improve product quality and safety, and reduce waste. By ending the hectic “derby” that once compressed fishing into a few days a year, they can now fish when markets and weather are better, clean and handle fish carefully, and avoid glutting fish decks and plants. With better quality and access to high-end fresh markets during eight months of the year, their prices have tripled.
