In the latest tally, Pacific halibut landings have reached just under 4.9 million pounds, roughly 1 million pounds behind the same period last year and representing only 21 percent of this year’s record-low fishery limit. The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) reduced the 2026 Total Constant Exploitation Yield (TCEY) to 29.33 million pounds—nearly 10 million pounds below levels seen five years ago and one of the lowest catch limits in the history of the fishery.

Based on current harvest trends, this year’s net-weight Pacific halibut harvest could finish just shy of 20 million pounds, extending another year of extremely tight supply in an already constrained market. For buyers, the story remains largely unchanged: demand continues to outpace available supply, and the reduced harvest is expected to keep markets firm throughout the season.



At the same time, Canada’s Atlantic halibut fishery has expanded steadily, with the Total Allowable Catch increasing from approximately 12 million pounds in 2019 to nearly 19 million pounds for the 2026–2027 season. As Pacific halibut harvests face record-low catch limits, Atlantic halibut is emerging as a viable alternative supply source, with Canadian production now approaching Pacific halibut volumes.

Canadian Atlantic halibut is widely recognized as a sustainable seafood choice, supported by Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified fisheries. From a culinary perspective, Atlantic halibut is often described as slightly richer and more robust in flavor, while Pacific halibut is prized for its lean, mild, subtly sweet flesh and clean, flaky texture. For many applications, the two species can be used interchangeably, giving buyers additional flexibility in a tight supply environment.

Beyond Canada, Norway has historically harvested up to 8 million pounds of wild Atlantic halibut annually, although recent landings suggest production may have slipped closer to 5–6 million pounds in 2025. Combined, Canadian and Norwegian Atlantic halibut harvests would exceed current West Coast Pacific halibut production, underscoring the growing importance of Atlantic halibut as a supply source in an increasingly constrained global halibut market.

As for supply, new-season frozen Pacific halibut remains exceptionally scarce during the early months of the fishery, as most landings continue to flow into the fresh market. Last year, fresh demand absorbed the bulk of production through September, and we expect a similar trend in 2026.

For North American buyers, the outlook remains clear: Pacific halibut supplies are expected to remain tight, prices are likely to stay firm, and opportunities to secure frozen inventory will be extremely limited.



Our recommendation is to secure your Pacific halibut requirements with suppliers as early as possible to improve your chances of obtaining product. At the same time, buyers should evaluate Atlantic halibut as an alternative source of supply, particularly as Canadian Atlantic halibut harvests continue to expand while Pacific halibut availability remains constrained.

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