Halibut fishing to close in most of Marine Area 2

Action: Close the recreational halibut fishery in Marine Area 2 (Westport-Ocean Shores), except that halibut fishing is allowed in the northern nearshore area from the Queets River (47º31.70'N. latitude) south to 46º58.00'N. latitude and east of a line approximating the 30 fathom depth contour as defined by the following coordinates until further notice.

47 º 31.70 N. lat, 124 º 37.03 W. long

47 º 25.67 N. lat, 124 º 34.79 W. long

47 º 12.82 N. lat, 124 º 29.12 W. long

46 º 58.00 N. lat, 124 º 24.24 W. long

Effective date: May 13, 2015

Species affected: Pacific halibut

Location: Marine Area 2

Reason for action: The Marine Area 2 recreational Pacific halibut quota set aside for the primary season was projected to have been taken at the end of the day Tuesday, May 12, 2015. Any quota remaining from the primary season will be added to a separate quota set aside for incidental halibut retention in the northern nearshore area and is sufficient to continue to allow halibut fishing seven days per week in that area. This rule conforms to federal action taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC).

Information contact: Heather Reed, (360) 249-4628 ext. 202