Crab fishing to close in the northern portion of Marine Area 7

April 14, 2003

Action: The recreational crab fishery in the northern part of Marine Area 7 will close April 16, 2003, until further notice.

Effective date: 8 p.m., April 16, 2003

Species affected: Dungeness and red rock crab

Location: This closure marks the end of the crab season in the remaining portion of Marine Area 7 north of Bellingham Bay and Orcas Island.

Reason for action: Soft crab emerging from their molt at this time are subject to high mortality rates associated with handling.

Other information: All other Marine Areas in Puget Sound are currently closed to sport crabbing. Shell condition testing is beginning this week for the Everett portion of Marine Area 8-2.

Information contact: Steve Burton, Don Velasquez or David Meister, Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311, Rich Childers, Point Whitney (360) 586-1498 ext 400; Norm Lemberg, LaConner District Office, (360) 466-4345 ext. 240.

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. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

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.