Halibut Fishing to Close in Most of Washington’s Marine Area 2
OutdoorHub 05.17.12
Action: Close the recreational halibut fishery in Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores), except that halibut fishing is allowed in the northern nearshore area from the Queets River (47º31.70’N. latitude) south to Point Chehalis (46º58.00’N. latitude) and east of a line approximating the 30 fathom depth contour as defined by the following coordinates until further notice.
– 47 º 31.70 N. lat, 124 º 37.03 W. long
– 47 º 25.67 N. lat, 124 º 34.79 W. long
– 47 º 12.82 N. lat, 124 º 29.12 W. long
– 46 º 58.00 N. lat, 124 º 24.24 W. long
Effective date: May 21, 2012.
Species affected: Pacific halibut.
Location: Marine Area 2.
Reason for action: The Marine Area 2 recreational halibut fishery is projected to have taken the Pacific halibut quota set aside for the primary season by the end of the day May 20, 2012. A separate quota set aside is sufficient to continue to allow halibut fishing seven days per week in the northern nearshore area. This rule conforms to federal action taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC).
Information contact: Heather Reed, (360) 249-4628 ext. 202.
