Action: Allows retention of wild coho west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line. Closes salmon fishing east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line.

Effective date: Aug. 26 through Sept. 30, 2023.

Species affected: Salmon.

Location: Marine Area 4.

Rules west of Bonilla-Tatoosh line: Daily limit 2. Chinook min. size 24”. Coho min. size 16”. Other salmon species no min. size. Release chum.

Rules east of Bonilla-Tatoosh line: Closed.

Reason for action: Percentages of adipose marked coho have been lower than expected in ocean salmon fisheries this season. Quotas have been adjusted downward in a manner to ensure that impacts to wild coho are not increased from preseason expected rates and will remain within conservation limits by allowing their retention.

Closure of Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line is needed to provide geographic separation, enhance compliance and facilitate enforcement of fisheries with different retention rules in Area 4 west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line and Area 5.

Additional information: Beginning Aug. 26, it will be unlawful to land or possess Chinook or wild coho in Marine Area 5. (Chinook and wild coho caught west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line may not be landed or possessed in Marine Area 5.)

Marine Areas 1 through 4 are scheduled to close Sept. 30, but areas could close earlier if quotas are met.

Information contact: Fish Program 360-902-2700