Marine Areas 9, 12 close to crab fishing March 1

February 10, 2003

Actions: The recreational crab fishery in Marine Area 12 and the portion of Marine Area 9 north of the Hood Canal Bridge and south of a line from Olele Point to Foulweather Bluff will close March 1, 2003, until further notice.

Effective date: 12:01 am, March 1, 2003

Species affected: Dungeness and red rock crab

Location: All waters of Marine Area 12 and the portion of Marine Area 9 north of the Hood Canal Bridge and south of a line from Olele Point to Foulweather Bluff.

Reason for action: Recreational quotas for Dungeness crab have been reached in Marine Area 12 and 9.

Other information: The following Marine Areas remain closed to crab fishing: 8-1, 8-2, 10, and the portion of 9 north and east of a line from Olele Point to Foulweather Bluff.

Information contact: Rich Childers, Point Whitney (360) 586-1498 ext 400; Norm Lemberg, LaConner District Office, (360) 466-4345 ext. 240; or Don Velasquez, Mill Creek Regional Office, (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.