NMFS announces an application period for individuals and other persons to apply for Quota Share (QS) under the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program for Pacific halibut and sablefish fisheries off Alaska. The IFQ program was developed under the authority of the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson Act) and the Northern Pacific Halibut Act (Halibut Act). This action is necessary to provide potential applicants with notice of an opportunity to apply for QS under the IFQ program. Individuals and other persons thought to be eligible to apply have been so informed by NMFS; all others are hereby notified that they must submit a Request for Application prior to being sent an individualized application form by NMFS. The intended effect of this action is to formally announce the application period for QS under the IFQ program for Pacific Halibut and sablefish fisheries off Alaska.