Feds bring charges in two halibut cases

The NOAA Office of General Counsel reports two Alaska cases charged in February:

• F/V Miss Linda — Owner/operator Aaron Sutton was charged under the Northern Pacific Halibut Act with failing to return undersized halibut to the sea with a minimum of injury. A $4,400 NOVA (notice of violation and assessment) was issued.

• F/V Vigor — Owner/operator Jarl Gustafson and IFQ permit holder Thomas W. Hoffman were charged jointly and severally under the Northern Pacific Halibut Act with IFQ permit holder's failure to be aboard the vessel at all times during the fishing trip. The proceeds ($2,717.18) of the violation were forfeited by abandonment. A $1,000 NOVA was issued, and the case settled for $900.