Recreational spot shrimp fishing closing in the remainder of the San Juan Islands

July 1, 2003

July 1, 2003

Recreational spot shrimp fishing closing in the remainder
of the San Juan Islands

Action: Recreational spot shrimp fishing will close on July 6, 2003 at 9:00 p.m. in the northern portion of Marine Area 7. The southern portion of Marine Area 7 is already closed to all shrimp fishing.

Effective date: Sunday, July 6, 2003, at 9:00 p.m.

Species affected: Spot shrimp.

Location: All waters of Marine Area 7.

Reason for action: The recreational share of spot shrimp has been reached.

Other information: The northern portion of Marine Area 7 (all waters north of the boundaries described below) will remain open to non-spot (coonstripe/pink) shrimp fishing until Oct. 15, but fishing will be prohibited in all waters deeper than 200 feet. All spot shrimp caught must be returned to the water immediately unharmed. A guide to shrimp identification can be found on page 127 of the "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet. The 200 foot maximum fishing depth restriction is in effect to protect spot shrimp while still allowing the opportunity to fish for non-spot (coonstripe/pink) shrimp.

The southern portion of Marine Area 7, which closed on June 8, remains closed to all shrimp species. These waters are defined as all waters south of a line from Biz Point on Fidalgo Island to Cape St. Mary on Lopez Island, then south of the shores of Lopez Island to Davis Point, then south of a line from Davis Point to Cattle Point on San Juan Island, then south of the shores of San Juan Island to Lime Kiln Point light, then south of a line due west from Lime Kiln Point light to the international boundary.

Information contact: Mark O'Toole, LaConner District Office, (360) 466-4345 ext. 241.

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.