Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Atlantic Halibut
Background
- Listed as Endangered on IUCN Red List in 1996
- Classified as “Vulnerable” by The American Fisheries Society
- 288 metric tons – 5% of overfishing classification qualification
- Overfishing - trawling and bycatch
General Description
- Olive/chocolate/slaty brown, 50-200lb
- Largest flatfish, lies on left side, long dorsal fin
- Gaping mouth and sharp, curved teeth
Ecological Importance
- Secondary and Tertiary Consumer
- Predators: Greenland shark and seals
- Prey: fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans
Distribution
Northern Atlantic
United States: Maine Coast, Cape Cod, Massachusetts Bay
World: Labrador, Greenland, IcelandCurrent Effort to Prevent Extinction
- Red List of IUCN
- Must be at least 81cm to fish
- No management plan