IPHC News Release 2017-08 WA Sport Fisheries Update

17 May 2017

WASHINGTON COAST SPORT FISHERIES UPDATE: FURTHER SEASON EXTENSION

WASHINGTON SPORT FISHERIES TO REOPEN

WDFW Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores): 21 May 2017
In the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores) all-depth primary fishery, WDFW estimates that 37,686 pounds were landed during the first three May 2017 openings, leaving an estimated 10,621 pounds available for potential harvest from the quota allocation. Fishery managers anticipate this will sustain one more day of fishing, thus the Washington South Coast (WDFW Marine Area 2) primary sport fishery will reopen for one day on Sunday, 21 May 2017.

WDFW Marine Area 3 (La Push), Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay): 21 & 25 May 2017
The preliminary catch estimate by WDFW for the Washington North Coast primary sport Pacific halibut fishery in WDFW Marine Areas 3 (La Push) and 4 (Neah Bay) during the first three May 2017 openings was estimated at 52,448 pounds, leaving an estimated 63,151 pounds available for potential harvest. Fishery managers anticipate this will sustain two more days of fishing thus the Washington North Coast (WDFW Marine Areas 3 and 4) sport fishery will reopen for on Sunday, 21 May 2017, and Thursday, 25 May 2017.

WDFW Marine Areas 5-10 (Puget Sound): 21 & 25 May 2017
The preliminary catch estimate in WDFW Marine Areas 5-10 (Puget Sound) during the first three May 2017 openings was estimated at 31,323 pounds, leaving an estimated 33,639 for potential harvest. Fishery managers anticipate this will sustain two more days of fishing thus the Puget Sound (WDFW Marine Areas 5-10) sport fishery will reopen for on Sunday, 21 May 2017, and Thursday, 25 May 2017.

Subsequent to these openings, fishery managers will review the catch and announce if sufficient quota remains for further openings.

WDFW Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco): No change
The recreational Pacific halibut fishery remains open in WDFW Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) Thursdays through Sundays at all depths, and Mondays through Wednesdays in the nearshore area.

For more information, refer to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife website: https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=1972

In all marine areas open to Pacific halibut fishing, there is a one-fish daily catch limit and no minimum size restriction.

Due to the short notice nature of this notification, it is posted to the IPHC website only, and no paper copy will be mailed out.

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