Chinook Retention Suspended in Marine Area 5

July 16, 2021

Action: Suspends retention of Chinook Salmon in MA-5.

Effective date: July 19th, 2021, until further notice.

Species affected: Chinook Salmon

Location: Marine Area 5

Rule: Salmon daily limit 2. No min. size. Release chum, Chinook, and wild coho.

Reason for action: The current estimate of total legal-sized Chinook encounters through July 15 is 5,894 (78%) of the total 7,565 legal-sized encounters agreed up in this year’s List of Agreed Fisheries (LOAF). Because of the high number of encounters this early in the season, Chinook retention will be suspended. Encounter estimates will be updated again after Chinook retention ends, and staff will reevaluate and determine the best course of action for the remainder of the season.

Additional Information: This FRC does not affect the mark-selective Coho fishery, which will continue as planned.

Anglers are reminded that they may pass through and land in a Marine Area with legal catch aboard the vessel, but it is unlawful to fish in an area with catch aboard the vessel that cannot legally be retained in that area. This means that anglers with Chinook caught in Area 4 on board their vessel cannot fish in Area 5 beginning July 19th.

Information contact: Fish Program, 360 902-2700

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.