Another Spot Shrimp Opener in Marine Area 7

Recreational spot shrimp fishing in
south Marine Area 7 to reopen

Action: Recreational spot shrimp fishing will reopen for four additional days in south Marine Area 7.

Effective dates: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 through Saturday, July 9, 2011, south Marine Area 7 is open.

Species affected: Spot shrimp.

Location: South Marine Area 7. Please note that only the southern portion of Marine Area 7 is open for spot shrimp. This is the portion of Marine Area 7 south of a line from the Initiative 77 marker on Fidalgo Island (which is the eastern boundary between marine areas 6 and 7) to Point Colville on Lopez Island, then south of a line from Davis Point on Lopez Island to Cattle Point on San Juan Island, then south of a line due west from Lime Kiln Point light on San Juan Island to the international boundary. This area includes the Iceberg Point, Point Colville, Salmon Bank and McArthur Bank shrimp fishing grounds. The Biz Point spot shrimp fishing ground, which is just north of the Initiative 77 marker will not be open.

Reason for action: Sufficient recreational spot shrimp quota remains in this area for more days of fishing.

Other information: Of all the popular recreational spot shrimp fishing areas in Puget Sound, south Marine Area 7 is the most exposed to rough weather and sea conditions. South Marine Area 7 has experienced westerly winds and relatively rough seas nearly every open day so far this season, keeping participation down. Shrimp gear in Marine Area 7 may be pulled from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

Contact: Mark O’Toole, La Conner, (360) 466-4345 ext. 241.