August 24, 2022
Marine Area 6 (excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District) to open for recreational non-spot shrimp fishing
Actions:
- Opens Marine Area 6 (excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District) to recreational non-spot shrimp harvest immediately through Oct. 15.
- Establishes a maximum fishing depth of 175 feet for this fishery to limit capture and handling of spot shrimp.
Effective dates: Immediately through Oct. 15, 2022.
Species affected: All shrimp species, except spot shrimp.
Location: Marine Area 6 (excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District).
Reason for action: Open recreational non-spot shrimp fishing in Marine Area 6, following the conclusion of the spot shrimp fishery.
Rules: Total daily weight limit of 10 pounds, heads and tails, of all shrimp species combined. If retaining non-spot shrimp, all shrimp heads must be retained in the field until ashore and finished fishing for the day. Minimum mesh size is 1/2 inch for pots. Maximum of 2 pots per person and 4 pots per vessel. Each harvester must have a separate container for their catch, either in their possession or labeled with their name.
Additional information: Marine Areas 4 and 5 are the last within Puget Sound that have remaining dates in their recreational spot shrimp seasons. Marine Areas 7 East, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11, and 13 are currently open for recreational non-spot (coonstripe, dock, and pink) shrimp fishing. Shrimp pots with a minimum mesh size of 1/2 inch are allowed in the areas that are open for non-spot shrimp only fishing. In the areas open for non-spot shrimp only, maximum depth restrictions specific to each area are enforced to avoid capture and handling of spot shrimp, and all spot shrimp must be released immediately. Check WDFW’s website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/shrimp for more information.
Information contact: Don Velasquez, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, 425-775-1311 ext. 112.