Opportunity to dive for shrimp at night in Marine Area 8-2 will be allowed on a limited basis

May 3, 2005

May 3, 2005

Opportunity to dive for shrimp at night in Marine
Area 8-2 will be allowed on a limited basis

Action: An opportunity to harvest shrimp while diving with scuba gear will be allowed in Marine Area 8-2 from 7 p.m. to midnight on the following dates: May 7, 11, 14 and 18, 2005.

Effective dates: May 7, 11, 14 and 18, 2005: from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Species affected: All shrimp.

Location: Marine Area 8-2.

Reason for Action: A small recreational dive fishery for spot prawns has been taking place in Marine Area 8-2 for several years. The harvest occurs after dark when the prawns have moved up shallow enough for scuba divers to reach them. The new 2005 Marine Area 8-2 shrimp fishing hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Saturdays and Wednesdays only) have precluded any harvest by scuba divers, since the prawns are too deep during the day to reach by diving.

Other information: Department staff will evaluate the experimental dive fishery after the season, and make recommendations to the Fish and Wildlife Commission regarding modifying the permanent rules in next year?s sport fishing rules cycle.

Contact: Rich Childers, Point Whitney (360) 796-4601 ext. 400 or Mark O Toole, LaConner (360) 466-4345 ext. 241.

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.