The 2019 Puget Sound commercial salmon fisheries regulations are the culmination of co-manager agreements developed throughout this year’s North of Falcon (NOF) process and adopted by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC). This pamphlet summarizes the agreed-to schedules, rules for non-treaty fisheries, marine catch and exclusion areas, and other pertinent information. Management highlights for the 2019 season include:
- Area 6D: Addition of a 500ft closure around Meadowbrook Creek (see map in Chapter 5).
- Area 7/7A: Sockeye and Pink salmon fisheries pending authorization by Fraser River Panel. Fishery updates through NOAA hotline (800)-662-9825.
- Area 8 and 8A: No scheduled Pink salmon fishery, due to forecasted low abundance.
- Area 9A: Additional 1000ft closures around 4 freshwater tributaries (see map in Chapter 5).
- Area 10: No scheduled limited entry Pink salmon fishery. New chum fishery closure zone at the entrance to Rich Passage (see map in Chapter 5.).
- Area 11: Modified Chum fishery zone closure for Commencement Bay (see map in Chapter 5).
- Area 12: The 2 mile Hood Canal Bridge Closure Area will not be in effect. Hazel Point Closure Area is CLOSED to Purse Seines, and OPEN to Gill Net on specific dates (see schedule).
- Area 12C: Adjustment to Hoodsport Chinook Beach Seine fishery (see schedule).
Additional updates and corrections to the Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting and Exclusion Areas (WAC 220-301-030), Puget Sound Salmon Preserves (WAC 220-354-310,320,330,340) and Puget Sound Salmon – Closed Areas (WAC 220-354-080).
Note to Readers: These statutes and administrative regulations were excerpted from the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). There may be errors or omissions that have not been identified and changes that occurred after printing. This pamphlet is intended as an informational guide only. To be certain of the current laws, refer to the official RCW and WAC.
Changes to regulations in this pamphlet: The regulations appearing in this pamphlet may be changed by subsequent emergency regulations at any time. Supplementary changes to the regulations will be available through the department’s website.
2019 Commercial Regulation Pamphlet: Major editing and reformatting of this pamphlet was conducted this year with goals to streamline information and expedite future year’s releases. Comments, corrections, or concerns should be submitted to staff via the appropriate channels.