The season for recreational spot shrimp fishing will open in Puget Sound beginning Wednesday, May 19, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The agency's shellfish mangers said coordinating and finalizing dates last year was very challenging as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded.
In the end, participation was notably higher than in past seasons, said Don Velasquez, a shellfish biologist for WDFW.
“The dates selected for the 2021 season reflect anticipated high levels of participation similar to 2020,” Velasquez said.
“With our test surveys indicating healthy populations across most marine areas, we’re pleased to offer a good mix of opportunity throughout Puget Sound this year,” he added.
WDFW is asking shrimp fishers to follow responsible recreation guidelines to provide for a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
“Plan appropriately for the weather conditions, make sure your vessel and equipment are functioning properly, and exercise patience and courtesy at boat ramps and launches," Velasquez said.
That advice is especially important for waters closer to Seattle.
“Shrimp fishers also need to keep clear of ferry terminals and routes, particularly in Elliott Bay and at Mukilteo,” Velasquez added.
In all areas of Puget Sound, fishers are limited to 80 shrimp per day on open days in May.
Fishers may keep dock, coonstripe, and pink shrimp caught incidentally while fishing for spot shrimp, but they count toward the 80-shrimp limit.
Beginning June 1, the daily limit is 10 pounds of all shrimp with a maximum of 80 spot shrimp.
Seasons for non-spot shrimping (dock, coonstripe, and pink shrimp only) will begin later this year and will be announced separately.
A valid 2021-22 combination license, shellfish license, or Fish Washington license is required to participate in all shrimp fisheries.
More information on recreational shrimp seasons, and a description of the marine areas, is available on WDFW's recreational shrimp fishing website.
The 2021 Puget Sound recreational spot shrimp seasons are as follows:
• Marine Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh Line: Remains closed until further notice.
• Marine Area 5 (western Strait of Juan de Fuca): Open daily from May 19 through September 15, daylight hours.
• Marine Area 6 (Port Angeles Harbor, eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca, excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open May 19-22, June 2-5, and June 16-19. Daylight hours.
• Marine Area 6 (Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 19 and May 22.
• Marine Area 7 South (Iceberg Point, Point Colville, Biz Point, Salmon Bank): Open May 19-22 and June 2-5. Daylight hours.
• Marine Area 7 East (northern Rosario Strait, Bellingham Bay, Sucia and Matia islands, Strait of Georgia): Open May 19-22, June 2-5, and June 16-19. Daylight hours.
• Marine Area 7 West (San Juan Channel, Speiden Channel, Stuart and Waldron islands): Open May 19-22, June 2-5, and June 16-19. Daylight hours.
• Marine Areas 8-1 (Saratoga Passage, Deception Pass) and 8-2 (Port Susan, Port Gardner, Everett): Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 19.
• Marine Area 9 (Edmonds, Port Townsend Bay, Admiralty Inlet): Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 19.
• Marine Area 10 (Elliott Bay): Open 3 hours only from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on May 19 (this is the portion of Marine Area 10 east of a line from West Point to Alki Point).
• Marine Area 10 (outside Elliott Bay): Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 19 (this is the portion of Marine Area 10 west of a line from West Point to Alki Point, which includes the Bainbridge Island shrimp fishing grounds).
• Marine Area 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island): Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 19.
• Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal Shrimp District): Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 19, May 22, June 2, June 5, and June 16. Shrimpers should note that the Skokomish Park at Potlatch (“Saltwater Park”) Hood Canal boat launch is closed until further notice.
• Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound, Carr Inlet): Closed for spot shrimp harvest due to low abundance.
Additional dates and times may be announced if enough quota remains after the initial fishing days are complete.
WDFW reminds shrimpers that traps can be set one hour before official sunrise during any open period in the marine areas without specified harvest hours.
This includes Marine Areas 5, 6 (except for the Discovery Bay Shrimp District), 7 East, 7 South, and 7 West.
Traps must be removed from the water in these same areas by one hour after sunset at the end of an open period.
The Link LonkMay 01, 2021 at 06:42AM
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Spot shrimp fishery opens May 19 - Port Townsend Leader
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