Public invited to provide input on 2025-2026 coastal recreational bottomfish fisheries Jan. 17

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is hosting a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 8:30 a.m. to discuss management options for coastal recreational bottomfish in 2025 and 2026.

West Coast bottomfish are managed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) on a biennial management cycle. The Council is currently considering harvest levels (annual catch limits) and management measures such as seasons and bag limits that will affect Washington coastal bottomfish fisheries during the 2025-2026 biennium.

The purpose of the Jan. 17 meeting is to review preliminary analysis and get feedback on potential management measures to keep the catch within Washington’s recreational harvest guidelines during the upcoming biennium. WDFW will host additional meetings this spring to get input from participants in the Washington coastal recreational bottomfish fishery throughout the Council’s public process during the April and June 2024 Council meetings.   

To participate in the meeting, go to the meeting link on the WDFW recreational bottomfish and halibut webpage. The meeting will be recorded and posted online so people can also watch afterwards at their convenience. For additional groundfish management information, visit PFMC’s website.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.