Recreational shrimp fishing closes May 27 in the northern and central San Juan Islands

May 23, 2006

Action: Recreational shrimp fishing will close Saturday, May 27, 2006 in the northern and central portion of Marine Area 7. The southern portion of Marine Area 7 (the Iceberg Point and Salmon Bank areas) will remain open to shrimp fishing.

Effective dates: Saturday, May 27, 2006 at 9:00 p.m.

Species affected: All shrimp.

Location: The closure area the northern and central portion of Marine Area 7 includes all waters north of a line from the Initiative 77 marker 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.

Reason for action: The recreational spot shrimp share in this area has been reached.

Other information: On June 1st the northern and central portion of Marine Area 7 will reopen for non-spot (coonstripe/pink) shrimp fishing opportunity with a 200-foot maximum fishing depth restriction. The 200-foot maximum fishing depth restriction will be in effect to protect spot shrimp while still allowing the opportunity to fish for non-spot shrimp. See page 132 of the 2006-07 Fishing in Washington rules pamphlet for descriptions of spot, coonstripe, and pink shrimp.

The southern portion of Marine Area 7 (all waters south of the boundaries described above) will remain open until further notice.

Contact: Mark OToole, LaConner (360) 466-4345 ext. 241 or Dave Sterritt, Point Whitney (360) 796-4601 ext. 228.

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.