Puget Sound Commercial Fisheries Hotline Message Number 5
Recorded Tuesday, August 22th, 2008 at 12:30 PM

The 2008 Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Regulation pamphlet was mailed the week of June 15th. If you have not received a copy please contact (360) 902-2700 and ask for a copy or check our web site where one may be downloaded at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/commercial/salmon/

This web address is listed on pages 1 and 40 of the pamphlet. Please check it regularly for updated information regarding Puget Sound commercial salmon fisheries.

Fishers are reminded that a Fish Friendly certification card is required to participate in any Areas 7 or 7A commercial salmon fisheries. Contact Jeromy Jording at (360) 902-2717 if you need to attend a workshop to get a card. For the most current information on Areas 7 or 7A sockeye fisheries check the National Marine Fisheries Hotline at (888) 858-9319.

For fishers who possess a Direct Retail Endorsement please remember per Washington Administrative Code (or WAC) 220-47-001 that all Puget Sound commercial salmon fisheries are designated as “Quick Reporting Required”, and you must comply with provisions of WAC 220-69-240 subsection 12.

The season description published in the 2008 Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Regulation Pamphlet remains in effect.

For the period of August 24th – August 30th all areas are currently closed except as follows:

Area 7B and 7C Bellingham Bay and Samish Bay will be open to gill nets using 7-inch minimum mesh size during the following dates and times:

• 7 PM Monday, August 25th to 7 AM Tuesday, August 26th.
• 7 PM Tuesday, August 26th to 7 AM Wednesday, August 27th.
• 7 PM Thursday, August 28th to 7 AM Friday, August 29th.

Area 7B and 7C Bellingham Bay and Samish Bay will be open to purse seines from:

• 6 AM to 8 PM on Wednesday, August 27th.
• Brailing is required and all sockeye, coho, chum, and pink salmon must be released immediately.

Area 9A Port Gamble Bay will be open to gill nets and skiff gill nets limited to 600 feet in length and 60 meshes in depth using 5-inch minimum mesh size during the following periods:

• 7 AM until 7 PM Tuesday, August 26th
• 7 AM until 7 PM Wednesday, August 27th
• 7 AM until 7 PM Thursday, August 28th
• All Chinook and chum salmon must be released by cutting the meshes ensnaring the fish.

If you suspect an error in this message or have questions please contact Jeromy Jording at (360) 902-2717.