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

August 30, 2004

Action: Recreational crab fishing will close in Marine Areas 6, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, 12, and Marine subArea 7-South. This closure will include all gear types.

Effective date: The recreational crab fishery will close in the areas listed above at 7:00 p.m. September 3, 2004.

Species affected: Dungeness and red rock crab.

Location: All waters of Marine Areas 6, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, 12, and Marine subArea 7-South (the San Juan Island portion of Marine Area 7).

Reason for action: Based on catch record card surveys, sport harvest has reached or will exceed the recreational crab harvest allocations in these areas.

Other information: Marine Areas 4, 5, 13, and Marine subAreas 7-East and 7-North, will remain open until further notice. Marine subArea 7-East includes the Anacortes to Bellingham Bay portion of Marine Area 7, and Marine subArea 7-North includes the Bellingham Bay to Pt. Roberts portion of Marine Area 7.

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.