October 28, 2021
Action: Maintaining the closure of personal-use sea cucumber harvest year-round in Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 10, and that portion of Marine Area 9 south of a line projected from Foulweather Bluff continuing to Double Bluff on Whidbey Island.
Effective date: Immediately.
Species affected: Parastichopus californicus, the California or Giant Red Sea Cucumber.
Location: All marine areas.
Reason for action: The portions of Marine Areas 8, 9, and 10 described above comprise commercial sea cucumber district 3. This district has been closed to commercial harvest since 2014 by comanager agreement for conservation reasons. Sea cucumber harvest in all other areas not closed by permanent rules (see WAC 220-330-090) will remain open until further notice. This fishing rule change to personal-use harvest regulation supports both conservation of the species and co-manager agreement.
Information contact: Taylor Frierson, echinoderm fishery manager, taylor.frierson@dfw.wa.gov, 360-902-2652
Effective date: Immediately.
Species affected: Parastichopus californicus, the California or Giant Red Sea Cucumber.
Location: All marine areas.
Reason for action: The portions of Marine Areas 8, 9, and 10 described above comprise commercial sea cucumber district 3. This district has been closed to commercial harvest since 2014 by comanager agreement for conservation reasons. Sea cucumber harvest in all other areas not closed by permanent rules (see WAC 220-330-090) will remain open until further notice. This fishing rule change to personal-use harvest regulation supports both conservation of the species and co-manager agreement.
Information contact: Taylor Frierson, echinoderm fishery manager, taylor.frierson@dfw.wa.gov, 360-902-2652