Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 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.

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