Daily limit increase in Marine Areas 6 and 7 West; non-spot shrimp fishing reopening in several areas of Puget Sound

May 31, 2016

Action: The daily bag limit is increasing to 160 shrimp for all species (including spot shrimp) in Marine Areas 6 and 7 West. Open daily.

In addition, Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9 and 11 are reopening for recreational coonstripe and pink shrimp fishing, with a 150-foot maximum fishing depth restriction. Marine Area 7 East is reopening for recreational coonstripe and pink shrimp fishing with a 200-foot maximum fishing depth restriction. And Marine Area 13 is reopening for recreational coonstripe and pink shrimp fishing with a 250-foot maximum fishing depth restriction. Open daily. All spot shrimp caught must be returned to the water immediately.

Effective date: June 1, 2016.

Species affected: All shrimp species.

Location: Marine Areas 6 and 7 West (only) for the daily bag limit increase. Marine Areas 7 East, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11 and 13 for the coonstripe and pink shrimp reopening.

Reason for action: Sufficient recreational quota remains in Marine Areas 6 and 7 West for raising the daily bag limit on a trial basis. Although the spot shrimp quotas have been reached in Marine Areas 7 East, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11 and 13 there is sufficient non-spot quota remaining to reopen.

Other information: After May 31 Marine Areas 7 South and 10 are closed for the 2016 season, along with the Hood Canal and Discovery Bay Shrimp Districts (where the last open fishing day was May 30).

Contact: Mark O'Toole, La Conner, (360) 466-4345 ext. 241, or Don Velasquez, Mill Creek, (425) 775-1311 ext. 112.

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.