Salmon season closes March 14 in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands)

March 10, 2016

March 10, 2016

Salmon season closes in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands)

Action: Closes fishing for salmon in Marine Area 7.

Effective Date: March 14 through April 30, 2016.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) within Puget Sound.

Reason for action: Before the salmon fishing season started, WDFW and tribal co-managers agreed to a limited number (12,248) of chinook encounters - retaining or releasing fish - anglers are allowed in Marine Area 7. Preliminary estimates indicate that anglers will reach the limit for chinook encounters by March 14. WDFW is closing salmon fishing to ensure compliance with conservation objectives and agreed-to management plans.

Other information: A previously announced fishing rule change will take effect on March 12, reducing the daily catch limit for chinook salmon in Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands) to 1 chinook, with a 2 salmon limit. All wild chinook salmon must be released.

Salmon fishing will remain open in other areas, including marine areas 5, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11, 12 and 13.

Check the sport fishing rules pamphlet for details: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.

Information contact: Ryan Lothrop, (360) 902-2808.

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.