Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Action: The portion of Marine Area 7 South that is west of Point Colville is reopening for eight days of recreational shrimp fishing. The portion of Marine Area 7 South that is east of Point Colville will remain closed to shrimp fishing.

Effective date: 4:30 a.m. July 21 through 10 p.m. July 28, 2015.

Species affected: All shrimp species including spot shrimp.

Location: Marine Area 7 South: west of a line projected due south from Point Colville on Lopez Island. This open area includes the Iceberg Point and Salmon Bank shrimp fishing grounds. The area east of Point Colville that will remain closed includes the Biz Point shrimp fishing ground.

Reason for action: Sufficient recreational spot shrimp quota remains in this area for eight more days of fishing. The eastern portion of Marine Area 7 South (including Biz Point) has a separate spot shrimp quota, and the quota was reached in that area during the recreational shrimp season in May.

Other information: Marine Areas 4, 5, 6 and 7 West remain open daily to all shrimp species.

Contact: Mark O’Toole, La Conner, (360) 466-4345 ext. 241, or Don Velasquez, Mill Creek, (425) 775-1311 ext. 112.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.