Halibut fishing to close in most of Marine Area 2

May 17, 2012

Action: Close the recreational halibut fishery in Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores), except that halibut fishing is allowed in the northern nearshore area from the Queets River (47 degrees 31.70'N. latitude) south to Point Chehalis (46 degrees 58.00'N. latitude) and east of a line approximating the 30 fathom depth contour as defined by the following coordinates until further notice.

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

Effective date: May 21, 2012

Species affected: Pacific halibut

Location: Marine Area 2

Reason for action: The Marine Area 2 recreational halibut fishery is projected to have taken the Pacific halibut quota set aside for the primary season by the end of the day May 20, 2012. A separate quota set aside is sufficient to continue to allow halibut fishing seven days per week in the northern nearshore area. 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.