Action: Opens Marine Area 2 (Westport) on Friday, Sept. 11. This opening is in addition to days already proposed to be open. 

Effective date: Sept. 11, 2020.

Species affected: Pacific Halibut.

Location: Marine Area 2.

Reason for action: Prior to the start of the recreational halibut season, additional days were identified that could be opened if recreational halibut catch was tracking slower than expected in Marine Areas 1 (Ilwaco/Chinook) and 2 (Westport).  Those days were Aug. 28, Sept. 4, and Sept. 11.

Last week, after reviewing catch to date, it was clear that there was enough quota remaining to open both Marine Area 1 and Marine Area 2 on Friday, Sept. 4, and Marine Area 1 on Friday, Sept. 11. However, managers needed more catch information before ensuring Marine Area 2 could also open on Sept. 11 without risk of exceeding the quota. Weather has been poor in many areas during the last couple of weeks, resulting in fewer halibut trips and lower catch. Consequently, there is enough Washington sport quota remaining to add this additional all-depth fishing day in Marine Area 2. 

Information contact: Heather Hall, Intergovernmental Policy Coordinator, 360-902-2487