Recreational shrimp fishing closing in the southern portion of Marine Area 7

May 30, 2008

Action: Recreational shrimp fishing will close Saturday evening, May 31, in the southern portion of Marine Area 7, which includes the Iceberg Point and Salmon Bank shrimp fishing grounds.

Effective date: 11:59 p.m. May 31, 2008.

Species affected: All shrimp.

Location: The closure area the southern portion of Marine Area 7 includes all waters south of a line from Biz Point on Fidalgo Island to Cape Saint Mary on Lopez Island, then south of a line from Davis Point on Lopez Island to Cattle Point on San Juan Island, then south 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 quota will be reached in this area.

Other information: The northern portion of Marine Area 7 (all waters north of the boundaries described above) will reopen June 1 for non-spot shrimp fishing with a 200 foot maximum fishing depth restriction. Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9 and 11 will also reopen on June 1 for non-spot shrimp fishing opportunity with a 150 foot maximum fishing depth restriction. Marine Area 13 will close for spot shrimp on June 1, but remain open for non-spot shrimp fishing. In these areas, any spot shrimp caught must be returned to the water immediately.

Contact: Mark O'Toole, LaConner, (360) 466-4345 ext. 241 or Therese Cain, Point Whitney, (360) 796-4601 ext. 210.

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.