Winter recreational crab seasons set for Puget Sound

September 29, 2015

September 25, 2015

Winter 2015 recreational crab seasons have been set for Puget Sound

Action: Recreational crab fishing will open seven days a week in Marine Areas 4 east of the Tatoosh-Bonilla Line, 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11, 12 and 13.

Effective Dates: Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2015

Species affected: Dungeness and red rock crab.

Location: Marine Areas 4 east of the Tatoosh-Bonilla Line, 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 11, 12 and 13.

Reason for action: A recent assessment of the recreational crab catch indicates that crabbers have harvest shares available in these areas to be reopened. An adjustment was made to the open days per week to allow for inclement winter weather.

Other information: The daily limits in all Marine Areas will be five crabs per day for Dungeness crabs and six crabs per day for Red Rock crabs. All Dungeness crabs retained during this time must be recorded on a winter catch record card.

Marine Area 10 will remain closed for the season, since the recreational harvest share has been taken in this area.

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.