Halibut fishing re-opens June 11 in Marine Areas 3, 4; Marine Area 1 all-depth fishery to close June 4

June 2, 2016

June 1, 2016

Halibut fishing will re-open in Marine Areas 3 and 4 on June 11;
Columbia River all depth fishery will close 11:59 p.m. June 3

Actions: Recreational halibut fishing in Marine Area 3 (La Push) and Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) will re-open for one additional fishing day on June 11, 2016.

The Marine Area 1 (Columbia River) all depth quota is projected to be taken at the end of the day Friday, June 3. Halibut retention in the Nearshore area in Marine Area 1 will continue to be permitted Mondays through Wednesdays until the subarea quota is reached.

Effective dates:

Marine Area 3 and 4: Open on June 11, 2016

Marine Area 1: Closed effective June 4, 2016

Species affected: Pacific halibut

Location: Marine Areas 1, 3 and 4.

Reason for action: There is sufficient quota remaining in Marine Areas 3 and 4 to open the recreational halibut fishery for another day. The recreational halibut quota for the all depth fishery in Marine Area 1 has reached the Pacific halibut quota reserved for this area; there is not enough quota pounds available to open this area for an additional fishing day. This rule conforms to federal action taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC).

Information contact: Heather Reed, (360) 249-4628 ext. 202

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.