Action: Reopens most areas of Puget Sound for crabbing

Effective dates: Marine Areas 9, 10, and 11 open 8 a.m. Oct. 12, 2005 through 6 p.m. Jan. 2, 2006, Wednesday through Saturday only of each week, except open seven days per week from Dec. 21, 2005 through Jan. 2, 2006.

Marine Areas 6 and 7 open 8 a.m. Nov. 16, 2005 through 6 p.m. Jan. 2, 2006, and open Wednesday through Saturday only of each week, except open seven days per week from Dec. 21, 2005 through Jan. 2, 2006.

Marine Area 12 opens 8 a.m. Oct. 12, 2005 through 6 p.m. January 2, 2006.

Marine Areas 4, 5 and 13 remain open seven days per week through February 28, 2006 unless the catch reaches state harvest share before that date.

Species affected: Dungeness and Red Rock crab.

Location: Marine Areas 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

Reasons for action: A recent assessment of the recreational crab catch indicates that crabbers have harvest shares available in the areas to be reopened. It appears that the new restrictions on the recreational crab fishery have slowed catch rates enough so that it is possible to provide additional fishing opportunity through the holidays.

Other information: The daily limits in all Marine Areas will be five crabs per day for Dungeness crabs and six crabs per day for Red Rock crabs.

Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 will remain closed for the season, since the recreational harvest share has been completed in those areas.

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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