Species covered in proposed rule • Marine Bottomfish
Rule to Change: Various
New Rule Proposal: A two fish limit for non-target (ie Closed) species caught as bycatch during the course of legal fishing, with exception of sixgill shark, yellow eye and canary rockfish.
Why the change is needed: Bottomfishing is not an exact science. It is partly why I enjoy it. If I spend 2 hours bringing in a large halibut out of season caught while following the current rules, I have to return it. That goes for the occasional salmon caught the same way, or whatever else may take a hook. This would also take some of the pressure off in the process of exact identification and the resultant disapointment, fines, arrest, confiscation of equipment (including boat) that can occur when a common layman misidentifies a fish, or misinterprets the complicated legalities of the rule book.
Names of individuals or groups with whom you have discussed this change: No input given
Describe their support and/or concerns:
No input given
Submitted by: COWPERTHWAITE, JAMES P — LANGLEY, WA
Date submitted: 04/27/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW233982
Species-specific time and area closures have been developed over time with careful consideration. Many closures center around mating seasons, sensitive aggregation areas, etc. and opening bycatch retention would confound protection measures, complicate catch reporting, and create substantial poaching risk.
Online Public Comments(0 comments)
No online public comments submitted for this proposal.
