Recreational spot shrimp fishing closes June 28 in the northern and central San Juan Islands

June 24, 2005

June 24, 2005

NOTE: See update for Area 7 dated July 11, 2005

Action: Recreational fishing for spot shrimp will close on June 28, 2005, in the northern and central portion of Marine Area 7. The southern portion of Marine Area 7 (the Iceberg Point area) will remain open to all shrimp fishing.

Effective dates: Tuesday, June 28, 2005, at 9:00 p.m.

Species affected: Spot shrimp.

Location: Spot shrimp closure area - the northern and central portion of Marine Area 7 - all waters north of a line from the Initiative 77 marker on Fidalgo Island to Point Colville 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 share of spot shrimp in the northern portion of this area has been reached.

Other information: While the northern portion of Marine Area 7 is closing for spot shrimp, it will remain open to non-spot (coonstripe/pink) shrimp fishing until Oct. 15, but fishing will be prohibited in all waters deeper than 200 feet. Any spot shrimp caught must be returned immediately to the water unharmed. The 200-foot maximum fishing depth restriction is in effect to protect spot shrimp while still allowing the opportunity to fish for non-spot shrimp. See page 134 of the 2005-06 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 Office (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.