Lingcod fishing closed in portions of Marine Areas 1 and 2

March 14, 2012

Action: Close recreational lingcod fishing in deepwater portions of Marine Areas 1 and 2 year round, except as allowed in Marine Area 2 on days open to fishing during the primary, all-depth halibut season.

The coordinates of the closed area are as follows:

47 31.70' N. lat 12 45.00' W. lon

46 38.17' N. lat 124 30.00' W. lon

46 38.17' N. lat 124 21.00' W. lon

46 25.00' N. lat 124 21.00' W. lon

Effective date: March 17, 2012

Species affected: Lingcod

Location: Marine Areas 1 and 2

Reason for action: This rule is intended to protect yelloweye and canary rockfish, two species managed under rebuilding plans by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The closure will reduce the amount of yelloweye and canary rockfish that are incidentally caught when anglers are fishing for lingcod in deeper water. This rule conforms to measures approved through the Pacific Fishery Management Council and federal rules adopted by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

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.