Halibut fishing to close in Marine Area 2 Friday June 8, Halibut fishing will re-open in Marine Areas 3 and 4 June 14

June 7, 2012

June 6, 2012

Halibut fishing to close in Marine Area 2 Friday June 8
Halibut fishing will re-open in Marine Areas 3 and 4 on June 14

Action: Close the recreational halibut fishery in the northern nearshore area of Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) at the end of the day Friday June 8. The nearshore area extends from the Queets River (47º31.70'N. latitude) south to Point Chehalis (46º58.00'N. latitude) and east of a line approximating the 30 fathom depth contour as defined by the following coordinates.

47 º 31.70 N. lat, 124 º 37.03 W. long

47 º 25.67 N. lat, 124 º 34.79 W. long

47 º 12.82 N. lat, 124 º 29.12 W. long

46 º 58.00 N. lat, 124 º 24.24 W. long

Re-open the recreational halibut fishery in Marine Areas 3 and 4 (Neah Bay and La Push) on Thursday June 14.

Effective date:

Marine Area 2: Close 11:59 p.m. June 8, 2012

Marine Area 3 and 4: Open June 14, 2012

Species affected: Pacific halibut

Location: Marine Areas 2, 3 aand 4.

Reason for action: The Marine Area 2 recreational halibut fishery is projected to take the Pacific halibut quota set aside for the northern nearshore area by the end of the day June 8, 2012. There is sufficient quota remaining in the north coast sub-area to re-open the recreational halibut fishery for another day of fishing. There is sufficient quota to re-open the fishery on a Thursday but not enough to re-open on a Saturday without risk of exceeding the quota. This rule conforms to federal action taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC).

Information contact: Heather Reed, (360) 249-4628 ext. 202

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.