Conservaton areas closed to bottomfish and halibut retention

March 13, 2009

March 13, 2009

Areas closed to bottomfish and halibut retention

Action: It is unlawful to fish for or possess bottomfish and halibut taken for personal use in the South Coast Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Area (YRCA) and the Westport Offshore YRCA in Marine Area 2. The South Coast YRCA and the Westport Offshore YRCA are defined by the following coordinates:

South Coast YRCA

46 degrees 58.00'N lat. 124 degrees 48.00'W long.;

46 degrees 55.00'N lat. 124 degrees 48.00'W long.;

46 degrees 55.00'N lat. 124 degrees 49.00'W long.;

46 degrees 58.00'N lat. 124 degrees 49.00'W long.

Westport Offshore YRCA

46 degrees 54.30'N lat. 124 degrees 53.40'W long.;

46 degrees 54.30'N lat. 124 degrees 51.00'W long.

46 degrees 53.30'N lat. 124 degrees 51.00'W long.;

46 degrees 53.30'N lat. 124 degrees 53.40'W long.

Effective date: March 14, 2009 until further notice.

Species affected: All species of bottomfish, including lingcod and halibut.

Location: Marine Area 2 (see the Fishing in Washington rule pamphlet, online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm, for area descriptions).

Reason for action: Canary and yelloweye rockfish are two of eight overfished groundfish stocks, which are managed under rebuilding plans by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The Pacific Council has adopted harvest guidelines for canary rockfish for state recreational fisheries to ensure that rebuilding goals are achieved.

Information contact: Heather Reed, (360) 249-1202

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.