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

December 17, 2002

Actions: The recreational crab fishery in Marine Area 10 will close January 2, 2003, until further notice.

Effective date: January 2, 2003 at 12:01 am.

Species affected: Dungeness and red rock crab

Location: All waters of Marine Area 10

Reason for action: Recreational quota for Dungeness crab have been reached and Marine Area 10 will close until further notice.

Other information: All waters of Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2 and that portion of Marine Area 9 north of a line extending from Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point will remain closed to recreational crab fishing until further notice.

All other marine areas including the portion of Marine Area 9 south of a line that extends from Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point are open seven days per week with a six-crab daily limit. Fishers are reminded to record their Dungeness crab on their catch record card immediately when crab are kept.

Information contact: Rich Childers, Point Whitney (360) 586-1498, ext. 400; Norm Lemberg, LaConner District Office, (360) 466-4345, ext. 240; or 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 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.