Recreational shrimp fishing closing in the southern portion of Marine Area 7

May 30, 2008

Action: Recreational shrimp fishing will close Saturday evening, May 31, in the southern portion of Marine Area 7, which includes the Iceberg Point and Salmon Bank shrimp fishing grounds.

Effective date: 11:59 p.m. May 31, 2008.

Species affected: All shrimp.

Location: The closure area the southern portion of Marine Area 7 includes all waters south of a line from Biz Point on Fidalgo Island to Cape Saint Mary on Lopez Island, then south of a line from Davis Point on Lopez Island to Cattle Point on San Juan Island, then south 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 quota will be reached in this area.

Other information: The northern portion of Marine Area 7 (all waters north of the boundaries described above) will reopen June 1 for non-spot shrimp fishing with a 200 foot maximum fishing depth restriction. Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9 and 11 will also reopen on June 1 for non-spot shrimp fishing opportunity with a 150 foot maximum fishing depth restriction. Marine Area 13 will close for spot shrimp on June 1, but remain open for non-spot shrimp fishing. In these areas, any spot shrimp caught must be returned to the water immediately.

Contact: Mark O'Toole, LaConner, (360) 466-4345 ext. 241 or Therese Cain, Point Whitney, (360) 796-4601 ext. 210.

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.