Recreational shrimp fishing closes May 27 in the northern and central San Juan Islands

May 23, 2006

Action: Recreational shrimp fishing will close Saturday, May 27, 2006 in the northern and central portion of Marine Area 7. The southern portion of Marine Area 7 (the Iceberg Point and Salmon Bank areas) will remain open to shrimp fishing.

Effective dates: Saturday, May 27, 2006 at 9:00 p.m.

Species affected: All shrimp.

Location: The closure area the northern and central portion of Marine Area 7 includes all waters north of a line from the Initiative 77 marker on Fidalgo Island to Cape Saint Mary on Lopez Island, then north of a line from Davis Point on Lopez Island to Cattle Point on San Juan Island, then north of a line due west from Lime Kiln Point light on San Juan Island to the international boundary.

Reason for action: The recreational spot shrimp share in this area has been reached.

Other information: On June 1st the northern and central portion of Marine Area 7 will reopen for non-spot (coonstripe/pink) shrimp fishing opportunity with a 200-foot maximum fishing depth restriction. The 200-foot maximum fishing depth restriction will be in effect to protect spot shrimp while still allowing the opportunity to fish for non-spot shrimp. See page 132 of the 2006-07 Fishing in Washington rules pamphlet for descriptions of spot, coonstripe, and pink shrimp.

The southern portion of Marine Area 7 (all waters south of the boundaries described above) will remain open until further notice.

Contact: Mark OToole, LaConner (360) 466-4345 ext. 241 or Dave Sterritt, Point Whitney (360) 796-4601 ext. 228.

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.