No Area 10 Blackmouth Reopener

THE FOLLOWING IS A RULE CHANGE NOTICE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

Salmon fishing to remain closed in Seattle/Bremerton (Marine Area 10)

Action: Extends closure of Marine Area 10 winter salmon fishing through the end of the season

Effective date: Immediately, through March 31, 2023

Species affected: Salmon

Location: Marine Area 10

Reason for action: In February, WDFW suspended salmon fishing in Marine Area 10 to preserve opportunity later in the season when the unmarked encounter rate is usually significantly lower. It was anticipated that salmon fishing would likely resume in March, however, the observed legal mark rate is still too low to justify reopening. Test fisheries, conducted by WDFW, indicate that any opening of the salmon fishery at current mark rates would exceed the unmarked encounter limit.

Salmon fishing in Marine Area 10 will remain closed for the rest of the winter Chinook season to stay within agreed to management thresholds.

Additional Information: The current estimate of Chinook harvest through Feb. 10, is 3,860 of the total encounter limit of 7,152 (54%), 3,431 of the total sublegal encounter limit of 6,295 (55%), and 1,072 of the total unmarked encounter limit of 1,079 (98%).