Many stocks of Puget Sound groundfish, such as rockfish, sole and Flounders, and especially Pacific cod, are in below-average, depressed or critical stock condition. the status of other stocks is unknown because of incomplete stock assessment and/or fishery monitoring information. Under conditions of low stock abundance or insufficient information to assess stocks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) should evaluate the level of conservation in groundfish management.

Policy: It is the policy of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission to manage Puget Sound groundfish, especially Pacific cod, in a conservative manner in order to minimize the risk of overharvest and to ensure the long-term of health of the resource.