WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE: Recreational bottomfish to close in Marine Areas 3 and 4

FISHING RULE CHANGE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

October 3, 2012

Recreational bottomfish to close in Marine Areas 3 and 4

Action: Close Marine Areas 3 and 4 (Neah Bay and La Push) to recreational bottomfish fishing.

Effective date: 12:01 a.m., July 27, 2012 until further notice.

Species affected: All species of bottomfish including lingcod

Location: Marine Area 3 and Marine Area 4 west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line.

Reason for action: Catch estimates indicate that the Washington recreational yelloweye rockfish federal harvest quota has been reached. Yelloweye rockfish are an overfished species managed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) under a rebuilding plan. The rebuilding plan allows for a small amount of catch in the recreational fishery to account for incidental impacts to yelloweye rockfish when anglers are targeting healthy resources. A significant amount of the yelloweye incidental catch in Washington occurs along north coast where encounters with yelloweye rockfish are higher than in other areas.

Information contact: Heather Reed, (360) 249-4628 ext. 202

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

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