Some areas of Puget Sound reopening for late-season recreational crab fishing

September 30, 2021

Action: Marine Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, Marine Area 5, Marine Area 6, Marine Area 7, Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2, Marine Area 9, and Marine Area 12 north of a line projected due east from Ayock Point will open for winter crabbing seven days a week.

Effective date: Oct. 1 trough Dec. 31, 2021

Species affected: Dungeness, red rock, and Tanner crab.

Location: Marine Area 4 east of the Tatoosh-Bonilla line, Marine Area 5, Marine Area 6,
Marine Area 7, Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2, Marine Area 9, and Marine Area 12 north of a line projected due east from Ayock Point.

Reason for action: Preliminary summer harvest estimates indicate that these areas can open to recreational harvest on October 1 as indicated.

Additional information: Additional time is needed to determine whether Marine Areas 10 and 11 can offer winter recreational opportunity. Marine Area 12 south of a line projected due east from Ayock Point and Marine Area 13 will remain closed for the remainder of 2021.

The daily limits in all Marine Areas will be five crabs per day for Dungeness crabs, six crabs per day for red rock crabs, and six crabs per day for Tanner crabs. All Dungeness crabs retained during this time must be recorded on a winter catch record card.

Information contact: Don Velasquez, Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311 ext. 112.

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.