Marine Area 6 (east Juan De Fuca Strait) Closes To Salmon Fishing

Salmon season closes Feb. 22 in Marine Area 6 (East of Juan de Fuca Strait)

Action: Closes fishing for salmon in Marine Area 6.

Effective Date: Feb. 22 through April 10, 2016.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 6 within Puget Sound.

Reason for action: Before the salmon fishing season started, WDFW and tribal co-managers agreed to a limited number (2,586) of chinook encounters - retaining or releasing fish - anglers are allowed in Marine Area 6. Preliminary estimates indicate that anglers have retained or released 1,812 chinook and are expected to reach the limit for chinook encounters by Feb 22. WDFW is closing salmon fishing in Area 6 on Feb. 22 to ensure compliance with conservation objectives and agreed-to management plans.

Other information: The daily catch limit for chinook salmon in Marine Area 6 (East Juan de Fuca Strait) is at 1 fish, with a 2 salmon limit. All wild chinook salmon must be released.

WDFW will continue to evaluate the fishery and may consider reopening if additional encounters in Area 6 are available after the fishery closes. Salmon fishing remains open in other areas such as marine areas 7 and 9 and opens Feb. 16 in Marine Area 5. Check the Sport Fishing Pamphlet for details: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.

Information contact: Ryan Lothrop, (360) 902-2808.