Halibut was opened for classification in October 2024. Assessment is proceeding according to standard procedure. The case is expected to be the fourth classification issued by the Bureau and the first of 2025.

Halibut is a large, flat fish native to cold ocean waters. It spends much of its life on the seafloor. Both of its eyes are on the same side of its head, which the panel found interesting but not disqualifying. All preliminary observations are consistent with fish classification.

The panel has identified no anomalies. There are no open questions. Deliberation is continuing because the process requires deliberation, not because halibut is presenting any difficulty.