Portion of Marine Area 2 will be closed to lingcod fishing to protect rockfish

June 24, 2009

June 24, 2009

Portion of Marine Area 2 will be closed
to lingcod fishing to protect rockfish

Action: It is unlawful to fish for, retain or possess lingcod south of 46º 58 N. Latitude and seaward of 30 fathoms on Fridays and Saturdays, July 3 through August 31 in Marine Area 2, Westport.

Effective date: July 3, 2009.

Species affected: Lingcod

Location: Marine Area 2

Reason for action: Yelloweye rockfish are one of seven overfished species managed under rebuilding plans by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Yelloweye rockfish may be caught incidentally when anglers target lingcod in deeper waters. Management measures, including depth restrictions, have been effective at reducing the incidental catch of overfished species, including yelloweye rockfish, while anglers are targeting lingcod. This rule conforms to federal action taken by Pacific Fishery Management Council and is designed to ensure that the yelloweye rockfish harvest does not exceed the guideline established in the rebuilding plan.

Anglers are encouraged to check the WDFW website at wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm, or call the hotline at (360) 902-2500 for information regarding re-openings.

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. 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.