March 9, 2023
Action: Extends closure of Marine Area 10 winter salmon fishing through the end of the season
Effective date: Immediately, through March 31, 2023
Species affected: Salmon
Location: Marine Area 10
Reason for action: In February, WDFW suspended salmon fishing in Marine Area 10 to preserve opportunity later in the season when the unmarked encounter rate is usually significantly lower. It was anticipated that salmon fishing would likely resume in March, however, the observed legal mark rate is still too low to justify reopening. Test fisheries, conducted by WDFW, indicate that any opening of the salmon fishery at current mark rates would exceed the unmarked encounter limit.
Salmon fishing in Marine Area 10 will remain closed for the rest of the winter Chinook season to stay within agreed to management thresholds.
Additional Information: The current estimate of Chinook harvest through Feb. 10, is 3,860 of the total encounter limit of 7,152 (54%), 3,431 of the total sublegal encounter limit of 6,295 (55%), and 1,072 of the total unmarked encounter limit of 1,079 (98%).
Information contact: Fish Program, 360 902-2700