May 13, 1997

1997 Halibut Landing Report No. 2

First Southwest Washington Coast Sport Halibut Fishery Season to Close May 17

The sport halibut fishery off the Southwest Washington coast (Queets River south to Leadbetter Point) will reach the sub-quota of 19,483 pounds at the conclusion of fishing on Saturday, May 17. Therefore, the fishery will close at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, May 17.

In accordance with the pre-season catch sharing plan developed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council, this fishery will immediately re-open on Sunday, May 18, only in the near-shore area (south of the Queets River to 47° 00’00"N. latitude and east of 124° 40’00" W. longitude), until the remaining quota of about 1,000 pounds is reached. The fishery will be open seven days a week, with a one fish bag limit and no minimum size limit, until the remaining quota is harvested and the season is closed by the Commission or until September 30, whichever occurs first.

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