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. 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.