Recreational sea cucumber harvest suspended in Puget Sound

February 28, 2022

Action: Closes recreational harvest of sea cucumbers in all waters of Puget Sound.

Effective date: March 1, 2022, until further notice.

Species affected: Parastichopus californicus, the California or Giant Red Sea Cucumber.

Location: Marine Areas 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh Line, 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, and 13.

Reason for action: A spawning closure period of March 1 through June 30 has been agreed to by sea cucumber co-managers in all waters of Puget Sound for all sea cucumber fisheries. This fishing rule change to personal-use harvest rules supports conservation of the species in accordance with co-manager agreement.

Additional information: Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) is closed year-round by WAC 220-330-090 and is therefore excluded from this rule change.

Information contact: Taylor Frierson, F&W Biologist III – Echinoderm Fishery Manger, taylor.frierson@dfw.wa.gov, 360-902-2652

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.