by The Associated Press
Thursday, March 18, 2010
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The deadline for applying for a permit to operate a sportfishing halibut charter is approaching.
NOAA Fisheries says the deadline for applying for a permit for 2011 in the Gulf of Alaska and Southeast Alaska is April 5.
NOAA estimates that 527 businesses will apply for a total of 920 permits under the new limited license program. As of Monday, the agency had received applications from over 400 businesses.
The new limited access program is designed to limit the number of halibut charter operators.
