Brandon Ford at 541-867-4741 ext. 277     

NEWPORT, Ore - If you are excited about fishing for halibut this year then plan to attend an upcoming public meeting on the 2007 Pacific halibut sport season hosted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The agency will provide halibut sport season details beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, in Room 30/32 of the Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 NE Marine Science Drive, Newport.

Don Bodenmiller, halibut project leader for ODFW, will present quotas and possible open season dates for Oregon's all-depth sport halibut fishery between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain. The International Pacific Halibut Commission will set 2007 quotas the week of January 15-19, 2007.

ODFW will hear comments regarding the number and dates of fixed open days during the spring (May to July) all-depth season between Cape Falcon and Humbug Mountain, and back-up dates for the spring fishery in case quota remains after the fixed dates.

If you have questions or want to provide comments without attending the meeting, please contact Bodenmiller at 541-867-4741.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the ODFW Director's Office at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.