Recreational sea cucumber harvest suspended in Puget Sound

February 28, 2022

Action: Closes recreational harvest of sea cucumbers in all waters of Puget Sound.

Effective date: March 1, 2022, until further notice.

Species affected: Parastichopus californicus, the California or Giant Red Sea Cucumber.

Location: Marine Areas 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh Line, 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, and 13.

Reason for action: A spawning closure period of March 1 through June 30 has been agreed to by sea cucumber co-managers in all waters of Puget Sound for all sea cucumber fisheries. This fishing rule change to personal-use harvest rules supports conservation of the species in accordance with co-manager agreement.

Additional information: Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) is closed year-round by WAC 220-330-090 and is therefore excluded from this rule change.

Information contact: Taylor Frierson, F&W Biologist III – Echinoderm Fishery Manger, taylor.frierson@dfw.wa.gov, 360-902-2652

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.