Recreational non-spot shrimp fisheries open in some Marine Areas

May 30, 2019

May 30, 2019

Recreational non-spot shrimp fisheries open in some marine areas

Action: Recreational non-spot shrimp season will open June 1 in Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11, and 13 and remain open until further notice. Recreational non-spot shrimp season will open beginning June 3 in Marine Area 7 East and remain open until further notice.

Effective dates:

June 1 (Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11, and 13)

June 3 (Marine Area 7 East)

Species affected: Non-spot shrimp species, including coonstripe, dock, pink, and sidestripe shrimp.

Location: Marine Areas 7 East, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11, and 13.

Reason for action: Allows for harvest of recreational non-spot shrimp consistent with state/tribal management agreements.

Additional information: To avoid spot shrimp, depth restrictions will apply to non-spot shrimp fisheries as described below:

Marine Area 7 East: Harvest will be limited to non-spot shrimp in waters less than or equal to 200 feet deep.

Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11: Harvest will be limited to non-spot shrimp in waters less than or equal to 150 feet deep.

Marine Area 13: Harvest will be limited to non-spot shrimp in waters less than or equal to 250 feet deep.

All spot shrimp caught during these non-spot shrimp fisheries must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.

Some marine areas remain open for recreational spot shrimp harvesting, including Marine Areas 4, 5, 6 (outside the Discovery Bay Shrimp District), and 7 West. Marine Area 12 and the Discovery Bay Shrimp District have their last scheduled spot shrimp openings on June 1.

Information contact: Donald Velasquez, fish and wildlife biologist, 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. 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.