Marine Area 7 recreational salmon season to close

April 18, 2017

Action: Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) will close to salmon fishing at the end of the day April 21.

Effective Date: 12: 01 a.m. April 22 through April 30, 2017.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 7.

Reason for action: Preliminary estimates and fishery projections indicate that Marine Area 7 will exceed the allowable limit of total chinook encounters - including both retained and released fish - prior to the planned April 30 closure date. The fishery is being closed to control impacts on stocks of concern and ensure compliance with conservation objectives.

Other information: Through April 21, Marine Area 7 has a one hatchery chinook limit. Salmon fishing remains open in other areas, including marine areas 5, 8-1, 8-2, 11, 12 and 13. Check the sport fishing rules page for details: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/. The most recent preliminary estimates can be found at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/reports_plants.html.

Information contact: Ryan Lothrop, (360) 902-2808, or Mark Baltzell, (360) 902-2807.

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.