Crab fishing opens June 1 in Puget Sound from Kingston to Olympia

May 29, 2003

May 29, 2003

Crab fishing opens June 1 in
Puget Sound from Kingston to Olympia

Action: The recreational crab fishery in all waters of Marine Areas 10, 11 and 13 will open to all sport crabbing seven days per week, starting June 1, 2003, until further notice.

Effective date: June 1, 2003, at 7 a.m.

Species affected: Dungeness and red rock crab

Location: The areas to be opened include all waters of Puget Sound south and west of a line from Apple Cove Point to Edwards Point, which includes south-central and south Puget Sound.

Reason for action: A new quota for each area is available beginning June 1. In addition, shell condition testing indicates the molt has been completed and both areas can open for harvest.

Other information: Marine Areas 9 and 12 will also open to all sport crabbing at 7 a.m. on June 1, seven days per week. The southern portion of Marine Area 8-2 opened on May 16, Fridays through Mondays only. Catch projections indicate the sport quota in this area will be taken by August 11, at which time the area will close to sport harvesting. This area will reopen for winter harvest opportunities if additional quota remains, based on September catch record card survey data. All other Marine Areas in Puget Sound are currently closed to sport crabbing. Fishers are reminded to record their Dungeness crab catch on their catch record card immediately when crab are kept.

Information contact: Therese Cain, Point Whitney (360) 586-1498 ext 210; Rich Childers, Point Whitney (360) 586-1498 ext 400; Steve Burton, Don Velasquez or David Meister, Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311.

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.