Some areas of Puget Sound reopening for late-season recreational crab fishing

October 3, 2018

Action: Marine Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, Marine Area 5, Marine Area 6, Marine Area 7, Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2, and Marine Area 9 except those waters between the Hood Canal Bridge to a line connecting Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point, will open on October 6 for winter crabbing. Crabbing will be allowed seven days a week through December 31.

Effective date: October 6, 2018

Species affected: Dungeness, red rock, and Tanner crab.

Location: Marine Area 4 east of the Tatoosh-Bonilla line, Marine Area 5, Marine Area 6, Marine Area 7, Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2, and the portion of Marine Area 9 except those waters between the Hood Canal Bridge to a line connecting Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point.

Reason for action: Preliminary summer harvest estimates indicate that these areas can open to recreational harvest on the dates indicated. The start dates will aid in achieving 50/50 harvest goal with the Treaty Tribes.

Additional information: The daily limits in all Marine Areas will be five crabs per day for Dungeness crabs, six crabs per day for Red Rock crabs, and six crabs per day for Tanner crabs. All Dungeness crabs retained during this time must be recorded on a winter catch record card.
Information contact: Don Velasquez, Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311 ext. 112.

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.