May 26, 2006
Action: Marine Area 1 closes for halibut fishing; anglers may not fish for, retain, possess or land Pacific halibut into Marine Area 1.
Effective dates: 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2006
Species affected: Pacific halibut
Location: Marine Fish Catch Area 1
Reasons for action: The Columbia River (Ilwaco and Chinook) recreational halibut fishery has exceeded its early portion of the Pacific halibut quota. Beginning this year, the Pacific Fishery Management Councils Catch Sharing Plan for halibut was revised to split the halibut quota into two portions 70% for the fishery opening on May 1; and 30% for an additional fishing opportunity beginning the first Friday in August (August 4). However, catch projections indicate that the catch in the May fishery exceeded the 70% share. Fishery managers will have final catch projections by the end of next week to see whether there is sufficient halibut to reopen Area 1 in August. The Department will update our website and recreational fishing hotline with the new season information as soon as it is available.
Other information: Bottomfish fishing will remain open in Marine Area 1.
Information contact: Michele Culver, (360) 249-1211
Effective dates: 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2006
Species affected: Pacific halibut
Location: Marine Fish Catch Area 1
Reasons for action: The Columbia River (Ilwaco and Chinook) recreational halibut fishery has exceeded its early portion of the Pacific halibut quota. Beginning this year, the Pacific Fishery Management Councils Catch Sharing Plan for halibut was revised to split the halibut quota into two portions 70% for the fishery opening on May 1; and 30% for an additional fishing opportunity beginning the first Friday in August (August 4). However, catch projections indicate that the catch in the May fishery exceeded the 70% share. Fishery managers will have final catch projections by the end of next week to see whether there is sufficient halibut to reopen Area 1 in August. The Department will update our website and recreational fishing hotline with the new season information as soon as it is available.
Other information: Bottomfish fishing will remain open in Marine Area 1.
Information contact: Michele Culver, (360) 249-1211