Recreational non-spot shrimp fishing re-opening in several Marine Areas

May 28, 2010

May 28, 2010

Recreational non-spot shrimp fishing
reopening in several areas of Puget Sound

Action: On June 1, Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9 and 11 will reopen for recreational coonstripe and pink shrimp fishing, with a 150-foot maximum fishing depth restriction. The north/central portion of Marine Area 7 will also reopen for recreational coonstripe and pink shrimp fishing, with a 200-foot maximum fishing depth restriction. Marine Area 13 will be closing to spot shrimp fishing, but remain open for coonstripe and pink shrimp fishing on June 1.

Effective date: 7:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Species affected: All shrimp

Location: Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11, 13 and the north/central portion of Marine Area 7. The north/central portion of Marine Area 7 includes all waters north of a line from Biz Point on Fidalgo Island to Cape Saint Mary on Lopez Island, then north of a line from Davis Point on Lopez Island to Cattle Point on San Juan Island, then north of a line due west from Lime Kiln Point light on San Juan Island to the international boundary. The southern portion of Marine Area 7, which is all waters of Marine Area 7 south of the above boundary, will remain closed for the season to all shrimp species.

Reason for action: Recreational non-spot shrimp shares are available in these marine areas.

Other information: All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water. Small mesh pots (1/2” minimum) may be used in these areas, please see pages 138 and 139 of the 2010/2011 "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on pot mesh size rules, and descriptions of the shrimp species. Marine Areas 10, 12 and the Discovery Bay Shrimp District are closed for the season.

Contact: Mark O’Toole, La Conner, (360) 466-4345 ext. 241 or Brandon Bryant, La Conner (360) 466-4345 ext. 247.

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.