Recreational shrimp fishery in Marine Area 9 will be restricted to the western portion only

May 6, 2025

Action: The announced opening for the recreational shrimp fishery in Marine 9 for May 21 will be limited to the portion west of a line projected from Possession Point (47.905036 -122.380062) to Apple Cove Point (47.817348 -122.484381).

Effective dates by area: Marine Area 9 is open May 21 from 9:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. for all shrimp species in that portion located west of a line projected from Possession Point (47.905036 -122.380062) to Apple Cove Point (47.817348 -122.484381). The portion of Marine Area 9 east of a line projected from Possession Point to Apple Cove Point will remain closed.

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

Location: Marine Area 9. The portion remaining closed is indicated by the shaded portion in the Marine Area 9 closure map.

Map depicting closure of the eastern portion of Marine Area 9.

Reason for action: To harvest recreational shrimp (primarily spot shrimp) consistent with State/Tribal management agreements, the eastern portion of Marine Area 9 is being kept closed to both State and Treaty harvests this year. Review of preseason test fishery information by WDFW and co-managers, indicates closing the eastern portion of Marine Area 9 is necessary to protect spot shrimp populations and allow them to rebuild.

Additional information: The daily limit is 80 spot shrimp, with a total daily weight limit of 10 pounds (whole shrimp) all species combined. If retaining non-spot shrimp, all shrimp heads (spot and non-spot) must be retained in the field until ashore and finished fishing for the day. Daylight hours only indicates that pots can be set and retrieved from one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset. All traps must be removed from the water during periods when fishing is closed. 

Fishery managers encourage anglers to sign up for Fishing Rule Change email notifications and to check for emergency rules on the WDFW website prior to fishing. Refer to the 2024-25 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet for fishing rules.

Information contact: Donald Velasquez, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, 425-725-3038.

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.