WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE: Crab fishing to close in the northern portion of Marine Area 7

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

April 14, 2003

Crab fishing to close in the northern portion of Marine Area 7

Action: The recreational crab fishery in the northern part of Marine Area 7 will close April 16, 2003, until further notice.

Effective date: 8 p.m., April 16, 2003

Species affected: Dungeness and red rock crab

Location: This closure marks the end of the crab season in the remaining portion of Marine Area 7 north of Bellingham Bay and Orcas Island.

Reason for action: Soft crab emerging from their molt at this time are subject to high mortality rates associated with handling.

Other information: All other Marine Areas in Puget Sound are currently closed to sport crabbing. Shell condition testing is beginning this week for the Everett portion of Marine Area 8-2.

Information contact: Steve Burton, Don Velasquez or David Meister, Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311, Rich Childers, Point Whitney (360) 586-1498 ext 400; Norm Lemberg, LaConner District Office, (360) 466-4345 ext. 240.

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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