Species covered in proposed rule • Marine Bottomfish
Rule to Change: Bottomfish:
East of Bonilla-Tatoosh Line
Daily limit is a total of 10 BOTTOMFISH (see definition page 10), regardless of species, subject to individual limits and seasons shown below. Fishing for BOTTOMFISH prohibited in waters deeper than 120'. See BOTTOMFISH Closure next page.
New Rule Proposal: Bottomfish:
East of Bonilla-Tatoosh Line
Daily limit is a total of 10 BOTTOMFISH (see definition page 10), regardless of species, subject to individual limits and seasons shown below. The first six legal rockfish must be retained, and daily bottomfish limit is met when daily rockfish limit is met. Fishing for BOTTOMFISH prohibited in waters deeper than 120'. See BOTTOMFISH Closure next page.
Why the change is needed: Sensitive rockfish species co-occur with targeted bottomfish including Lingcod and Cabezon. Rockfish are long-lived, reproduced sporadically, and have high site-fidelity. Most rockfish species encountered in Area 4 are either State Candidate or Federal Species of Concern, or are listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA. Unlike Lingcod and Cabezon, rockfish can suffer fatal barotrauma when caught at depths greater than 60 feet. In some cases, anglers catch and release (dead or dying) dozens of sensitive rockfish before filling their daily bottomfish bag limit. WDFW data document significant non-targeted rockfish bycatch occurs during targeted Lingod and Cabezon fishing. We propose this rule in lieu of prohibiting bottomfishing in waters deepr than 60 feet.
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 documented by-catch impacts to sensitive Rockfish species.
Submitted by: GLASGOW, JAMIE — DUVALL, WA
Date submitted: 06/14/2012
WDFW Rule Proposal Recommendation
Not Recommended for further consideration Reference ID: DFW455583
DFW is currently conducting research in Marine Area 4B to evaluate conservation regulations for bottomfish adopted in 2010 and 2011. Postpone consideration of this rule until evaluation of research findings is completed.
Online Public Comments(1 comments)
TACHELL, ART J December 16, 2012 TACOMA, WA Comments: Better idea close all commercial fisheries in affected area.
