Species covered in proposed rule • Marine Bottomfish
Rule to Change: Bottomfish:
East of Bonilla-Tatoosh Line
West of Bonilla-Tatoosh Line
New Rule Proposal: Bottomfish:
(No distinction made at Bonilla-Tatoosh Line)
Why the change is needed: The state has committed to ‘managing to the weakest stock’ – rules are in place to protect sensitive rockfish in 4B but the effectiveness of the rules is compromised because the adjacent Area 4A has less protective rules. Both Areas 4A and 4B are almost exclusively accessed via Neah Bay, but at present each area has different bottomfish rules. This confounds the public’s understanding of the rules and makes dockside enforcement of two different sets of rules impracticable and ineffective. The problem is resolved if the more conservative 4B bottomfishing regulations are applied to Area 4A.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: Wild Fish Conservancy and the Washington State Chapter of Sierra Club. Similar efforts to reduce by-catch were discussed during many Puget Sound Rockfish Conservation Plan Advisory Group meetings.
Describe their support and/or concerns:
Both organizations are supportive of this and other rule changes designed to reduce fishery-related impacts to sensitive Rockfish species.
Submitted by: GLASGOW, JAMIE — DUVALL, WA
Date submitted: 06/14/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Recommended for Public Comment Reference ID: DFW179672
Rule Change Recommendation Short Title Rockfish species retention in Marine Area 4 west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh Line
Rules Category Coastal Region Marine
Type of Rule Change Proposal Conservation
County or Location Information
Short Description Marine Area 4 west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh Line: Only black, blue and yellowtail rockfish may be retained.
Explanation This regulation will provide additional protection for non-target rockfish species and is intended increase the number of these rockfish available for recruitment into the Puget Sound.
