Area 7 San Juans: Emergency Rule Change for Blackmouth

[Matt]

January 8, 2015



Salmon daily limit reduced in Marine Area 7


Action: Reduces daily limit to 1 salmon in Area 7.

Effective Date: 12:01 a.m. Jan. 12 through 11:59 p.m. April 30, 2015.

Species affected: All salmon.

Location: Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands).

Reason for action: Preliminary estimates indicate that encounters with hatchery and wild chinook are projected to exceed the preseason expectations which were set to ensure compliance with conservation objectives and agreed-to management plans. The fishery is being modified to control impacts on stocks of concern.

Other information: Reduces daily limit to one salmon in Area 7. Anglers must release wild chinook. Bellingham Bay and Samish Bay will remain closed during April. Anglers should consult the Fishing in Washington, Sports Fishing Rules pamphlet for specific regulations.

Information contact: Ryan Lothrop, (360) 902-2808

https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/erul ... sp?id=1536" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[G-Man]

The way I read these statements, the State is telling us that catch and release using barbless hooks isn't safe for salmon. Which leads me to the question, why are we required to use barbless hooks when fishing for salmon in saltwater?

[Gonefishing]

I got the same email today. What it should have said is that they are afraid if they leave the limit at 2 the quota for the region will be met way before the April Area 7 closure date. Much the same reason as why most of the sound was 1 King on the boats last summer instead of the normal 2.

As I understand it the fishing was dang good in Area 7 last month.

[Matt]

Both statements hold merit. One big aspect of the rule change is the remaining quota. They want to try and keep the season open until April. The best fishing is generally by far in the spring, and these fish are going to get bigger! So I'm all for it.

The second part regarding encounters with wild fish is based on a set number. The encounter rates with Chinook (both marked and unmarked) have been high. There is a set number of "allowable" incidental encounters with wild fish. This number is a product of stock size assessments in conjunction with a calculated incidental mortality rate for unmarked fish that are hooked and released.

It's not barbs or no barbs that would be the issue. It's the total number of encounters. They monitor the summer seasons in the same manner.