Puget Sound Commercial Fisheries Hotline Message Number 10
Recorded Friday, October 5th, 2007 at 3:00 PM

The 2007 Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Regulation pamphlet was mailed the week of May 13th. If you have not received a copy please contact (360) 902-2700 and ask for a copy or check our web site where one may be downloaded at: http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/commregs/salregs.htm

Fishers are reminded that a Fish Friendly certification card will be required to participate in any Area 7 or 7A commercial salmon fisheries. Contact Jeromy Jording at (360) 902-2717 if you need to attend a workshop to get a card. Area 7 and 7A sockeye and pink fisheries are not posted on this hotline check the National Marine Fisheries Hotline at (888) 858-9319.

The season description published in the 2007 Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Regulation pamphlet remains in effect with the following adjustments:

For the period of October 7th – October 13th all areas are currently closed except as follows:

Area 6D Dungeness Bay will be open to skiff gill nets using 5 – inch minimum mesh size from 7 AM to 7 PM daily, beginning October 8th, Monday through Friday each week continuing through Friday, October 26th. All Chinook and chum salmon must be released by cutting the meshes ensnaring the fish.

Areas 7 and 7A San Juan Islands and Point Roberts are open for reef nets 5 AM to 9 PM daily, continuously through Saturday, November 17th. Chinook and sockeye must be released at all times. Fishers must have a Fish Friendly certification card within their immediate possession.

Areas 7 and 7A San Juan Islands and Point Roberts will be open to gill nets using 6 ¼ -inch mesh during the following dates and times:

• 12:00 Noon to Midnight on Thursday, October 11th
• 12:00 Noon to Midnight on Friday, October 12th

Soak times are limited 45 minutes from first web in to last web out. Use of an operating recovery box is required and Chinook and coho must be released or if injured or lethargic, placed in the recovery box for release after they have recovered. Fishers must have a Fish Friendly certification card within their immediate possession.

Areas 7 and 7A San Juan Islands and Point Roberts will be open to purse seines using the 5-inch strip during the following dates and times:

• 7 AM to 4 PM for vessels without a operating recovery box and 7 AM to 7 PM for vessels with a operating recovery box on Thursday, October 11th
• 7 AM to 4 PM for vessels without a operating recovery box and 7 AM to 7 PM for vessels with a operating recovery box on Friday, October 12th

  Brailing is required and all Chinook and coho must be released. Fishers must have a Fish Friendly certification card within their immediate possession.

Area 7B Bellingham Bay is open continuously to gill nets using 5-inch minimum mesh size through 8 PM November 3rd, and to purse seines using the 5-inch strip continuously through 6 PM November 3rd.

All gears must release Sockeye immediately. Pink salmon are non-retention for fishers using purse seine gear.

Area 8A Port Susan and Port Gardner will be open to gill nets using 5-inch minimum mesh during the following dates and times:

• 6 PM Tuesday, October 9th to 8 AM Wednesday, October 10th.

Area 8A Port Susan and Port Gardner will be open to the purse seine vessels CONFIDENCE and ARLINE only. Open hours are 7 AM to 7 PM Monday, October 8th. Chinook must be released.

Area 8D Tulalip Bay will be open to gill nets using 5-inch minimum mesh size during the following dates and times:

• 6 PM Sunday, October 7th to 8 AM Monday, October 8th.
• 6 PM Tuesday, October 9th to 8 AM Wednesday, October 10th.
• 6 PM Thursday, October 11th to 8 AM Friday, October 12th.

Area 8D Tulalip Bay will be open to purse seines using the 5-inch strip from 7 AM to 7 PM on Monday, October 8th. Chinook must be released.

Area 9A Port Gamble Bay is open to gill nets and skiff gill nets limited to 600 feet in length and 60 meshes in depth using 5-inch minimum mesh size continuously until 8 PM Saturday, November 3rd. All Chinook and chum salmon must be released by cutting the meshes ensnaring the fish.