Action: The portion of Marine Area 7 South that is west of Point Colville is reopening for six days of recreational spot shrimp fishing. The portion of Marine Area 7 South that is east of Point Colville will remain closed to spot shrimp fishing.

Effective date: July 29 through Aug. 3, 2014

Species affected: All shrimp species

Location: Marine Area 7 South lies west of a line projected due south from Point Colville on Lopez Island. This open area includes the Iceberg Point and Salmon Bank shrimp fishing grounds. The area east of Point Colville that will remain closed includes the Biz Point shrimp fishing ground.

Reason for action: Sufficient recreational spot shrimp quota remains in this area for six more days of fishing. The eastern portion of Marine Area 7 South (including Biz Point) has a separate spot shrimp quota, and the quota was reached in that area during the recreational shrimp season in May.

Other information:  Marine Areas 4, 5, 6 and 7 West remain open daily to all shrimp species.

Contact: Mark O’Toole, La Conner, (360) 466-4345 ext. 241.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the Fishing section of the WDFW webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/shrimp for details on current shrimp fishing seasons and regulations, or check the current WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet for fishing regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.