Bottomfish closure seaward of 30 fathoms in Marine Area 2

March 13, 2009

March 13, 2009

Bottomfish closure seaward of 30 fathoms
in Marine Area 2

Action: It is unlawful to fish for, retain, or possess bottomfish seaward of 30 fathoms in Marine Area 2 from March 14 through June 15, except that from May 1 through June 15 a person may fish for and retain sablefish and Pacific Cod. The following coordinates define the 30-fathom line:

47 degrees 31.70'N lat. 124 degrees 37.03'W long.;

47 degrees 25.67'N lat. 124 degrees 34.79'W long.;

47 degrees 12.82'N lat. 124 degrees 29.12'W long.;

46 degrees 52.94'N lat. 124 degrees 22.58'W long.;

46 degrees 44.18'N lat. 124 degrees 18.00'W long.;

46 degrees 38.17'N lat. 124 degrees 15.88'W long.

The retention of canary and yelloweye rockfish is prohibited in all areas.

Effective date: March 14, 2009 through June 15, 2009.

Species affected: All species of bottomfish, including lingcod

Location: Marine Area 2 (see the Fishing in Washington rule pamphlet, online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm, for area descriptions).

Reason for action: Canary and yelloweye rockfish are two of seven overfished groundfish stocks, which are managed under rebuilding plans by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The Pacific Council has adopted harvest guidelines for canary rockfish for state recreational fisheries to ensure that rebuilding goals are achieved.

Depth restrictions have been effective in avoiding early canary and yelloweye rockfish harvest guideline attainment. The Pacific Fisheries Management Council adopted these management measures for the 2009 season to provide continued protection to yelloweye rockfish.


Information contact: Heather Reed, (360) 249-1202



Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions 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 toll free 866-880-5431.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.