Chapter 220-320 WAC
Last Update: 10/31/23SHELLFISH—DEFINITIONS, CLASSIFICATIONS AND GENERAL RULES
WAC Sections
DEFINITIONS AND CLASSIFICATIONS | ||
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-010 | Shellfish—Classification. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-015 | Definitions—Shellfish species complexes. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-020 | Definitions—Hardshell clam. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-030 | Definitions—Razor clam beds. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-040 | Definitions—Shellfish pot. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-050 | Definitions—Soft-shelled crab. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-060 | General provisions—Shellfish. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-070 | Geographical definitions—Marine Area 7 shrimp fishing subareas. |
SHELLFISH RULES OF GENERAL APPLICATION | ||
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-100 | Crab—General unlawful acts. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-110 | Commercial crab geographical management units—Puget Sound. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-120 | Puget Sound Crustacean (crab and shrimp) Special Management Areas. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-130 | Razor clam sanctuaries. |
| HTMLPDF | 220-320-140 | Commercial shrimp geographical management units—Puget Sound. |
DEFINITIONS AND CLASSIFICATIONS
PDF220-320-010
Shellfish—Classification.
The following species are classified as shellfish under RCW 77.12.047 and are subject to the provisions of this title:
Mussel | |
Blue mussel | Mytilus trossulus |
California mussel | Mytilus californianus |
Mediterranean mussel | Mytilus galloprovincialis |
Scallops | |
Pacific pink scallop | Chlamys rubida |
Rock scallop | Crassadoma gigantea |
Spiny scallop | Chlamys hastata |
Weathervane scallop | Patinopecten caurinus |
Clams | |
All macoma clams | Macoma spp. |
Butter clam | Saxidomus gigantea |
Nuttall's/Heart cockle | Clinocardium nuttallii |
Geoduck | Panopea generosa |
Horse or Gaper clam | Tresus nuttallii, |
Tresus capax | |
Mud or soft shell clam | Mya arenaria |
Manila clam | Ruditapes (Venerupis) philippinarum |
Piddock | Zirfaea pilsbryi |
Razor clam | Siliqua patula |
Rock or native littleneck clam | Leukoma staminea |
Varnish clam | Nuttallia obscurata |
All other marine clams existing in Washington in a wild state | |
Oysters | |
All oysters | (Ostreidae) |
Squid | |
All squid | (Sepiolida , Loliginidae, or Ommastrephidae) |
Octopus | |
Octopus | Enteroctopus dofleini |
Barnacles | |
Goose barnacle | Pollicipes polymerus |
Shrimp | |
Dock shrimp | Pandalus danae |
Coonstripe shrimp | Pandalus hypsinotus |
Ghost or sand shrimp | Neotrypaea spp. |
Humpy shrimp | Pandalus goniurus |
Mud shrimp | Upogebia pugettensis |
Ocean pink shrimp | Pandalus jordani |
Pink shrimp | Pandalus eous |
Sidestripe shrimp | Pandalus (Pandalopsis) dispar |
Spot shrimp | Pandalus platyceros |
Crab | |
Dungeness crab | Metacarcinus (Cancer) magister |
Red rock crab | Cancer productus |
Tanner crab | Chionoecetes tanneri |
King and box crab | Lopholithodes spp. |
Blue king crab | Paralithodes platypus |
Red king crab | Paralithodes camtschaticus |
Golden king crab | Lithodes aequispinus |
Crawfish | |
Crawfish | Pacifastacus sp. |
Sea cucumber | |
California sea cucumber | Apostichopus (Parastichopus) californicus |
Sea urchin | |
Green urchin | Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis |
Red urchin | Mesocentrotus (Strongylocentrotus) franciscanus |
Purple urchin | Strongylocentrotus purpuratus |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04-055 [77.04.055], 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-08-048, § 220-320-010, filed 3/31/22, effective 5/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.020, and 77.12.047. WSR 19-13-013 (Order 18-120), § 220-320-010, filed 6/7/19, effective 7/8/19. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-320-010, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17; WSR 17-01-055 (Order 16-326), § 220-12-020, filed 12/14/16, effective 1/14/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 34.05.353 (1)(b), (c), and (d), 77.12.047, 77.50.050, and chapters 77.65 and 77.70 RCW. WSR 12-09-046 (Order 12-61), § 220-12-020, filed 4/13/12, effective 5/14/12. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 10-07-105 (Order 10-64), § 220-12-020, filed 3/19/10, effective 5/1/10; WSR 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-12-020, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04; WSR 03-05-057 (Order 03-24), § 220-12-020, filed 2/14/03, effective 5/1/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.040 and 75.08.080. WSR 98-06-031, § 220-12-020, filed 2/26/98, effective 5/1/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 95-04-066 (Order 95-10), § 220-12-020, filed 1/30/95, effective 5/1/95; WSR 91-10-024 (Order 91-22), § 220-12-020, filed 4/23/91, effective 5/24/91; WSR 88-12-025 (Order 88-28), § 220-12-020, filed 5/25/88, effective 8/22/88; WSR 87-23-006 (Order 87-187), § 220-12-020, filed 11/6/87; WSR 86-24-046 (Order 86-190), § 220-12-020, filed 11/26/86; WSR 85-09-017 (Order 85-20), § 220-12-020, filed 4/9/85; WSR 85-01-010 (Order 84-214), § 220-12-020, filed 12/7/84; WSR 83-24-024 (Order 83-200), § 220-12-020, filed 11/30/83, effective 1/1/84; Order 1186, § 220-12-020, filed 1/13/75; Order 990, § 220-12-020, filed 5/11/72; Order 807, § 220-12-020, filed 1/2/69, effective 2/1/69; Order 677, Shellfish classification, filed 3/31/66; Order 256, Shellfish classification, filed 3/1/60; Abalone and octopus from Order 483 and 256, filed 3/1/60.]
PDF220-320-015
Definitions—Shellfish species complexes.
"Nonspot shrimp" are defined as a species complex composed of the following species of pandalid shrimp classified in WAC 220-320-010: Dock shrimp (Pandalus danae), coonstripe shrimp (Pandalus hypsinotus), humpy shrimp (Pandalus goniurus), Ocean pink shrimp (Pandalus jordani), pink shrimp (Pandalus eous), and side stripe shrimp (Pandalus (Pandalopsis) dispar).
PDF220-320-020
Definitions—Hardshell clam.
"Hardshell clam" means all clams classified as shellfish under WAC 220-320-010 except geoduck clams, horse clams, and mud or softshell clams.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-320-020, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-16-800, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04.]
PDF220-320-030
Definitions—Razor clam beds.
"Razor clam beds" are defined as that portion of Pacific Ocean beaches westerly of a line 150 feet waterward of the extreme upper limit of the hard sand area. The detached Willapa Bay Spits that are north of Leadbetter Channel, west of Ellen Sands and south of the Willapa Ship Channel are also defined as "razor clam beds," as are those portions of the mouths of Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay which contain razor clams.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-320-030, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. WSR 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-16-257, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 91-08-054 (Order 91-13), § 220-16-257, filed 4/2/91, effective 5/3/91; WSR 82-07-047 (Order 82-19), § 220-16-257, filed 3/18/82; WSR 80-13-064 (Order 80-123), § 220-16-257, filed 9/17/80.]
PDF220-320-040
Definitions—Shellfish pot.
"Shellfish pot" shall be defined as a movable trap with one or more entrance tunnels used to entrap shellfish in a live condition.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-320-040, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 84-08-014 (Order 84-24), § 220-16-100, filed 3/27/84; Order 1179, § 220-16-100, filed 11/19/74; Order 810, § 220-16-100, filed 4/17/69. Formerly WAC 220-16-010 (part).]
PDF220-320-050
Definitions—Soft-shelled crab.
A soft-shelled crab is defined as a crab whose shell, including shell covering of the legs, is not fully hardened and said shell is flexible and depresses to digital pressure.
PDF220-320-060
General provisions—Shellfish.
(1) It is unlawful to drive or operate any motor-propelled vehicle, land any airplane or ride or lead any horse on the razor clam beds of the state of Washington, as defined in WAC 220-320-030. A violation of this subsection shall be punished as an infraction.
(2) It is unlawful to possess soft-shelled crab for any commercial purpose.
(3) It is unlawful to possess in the field any crab or crab parts without also retaining the back shell (carapace) of each crab.
(4) It is unlawful to willfully damage crab or other shellfish. Any crab taken incidentally to a net fishery must be immediately returned to the water with the least possible damage to the crab.
(5) "Shellfish" includes all bodily parts but does not include five pounds or less of relic shells of classified shellfish or relic shells of unclassified freshwater and marine invertebrates. A relic (dead) shell is defined as one which died of natural causes and contains no meat or soft parts; it readily exhibits noticeable sediment, vegetation, algal or mineral stains, discolorations, soiling, weathering or other visual evidence on its interior surface which clearly and unambiguously shows the shell has not been cooked-out or freshly cleaned.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, and 77.04.055. WSR 20-04-058 (Order 20-19), § 220-320-060, filed 1/30/20, effective 7/1/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-320-060, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-23-114 (Order 06-289), § 220-20-025, filed 11/17/06, effective 12/18/06; WSR 02-23-002 (Order 02-278), § 220-20-025, filed 11/6/02, effective 12/7/02; WSR 02-08-048 (Order 02-53), § 220-20-025, filed 3/29/02, effective 5/1/02; WSR 00-17-106 (Order 00-149), § 220-20-025, filed 8/16/00, effective 9/16/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 00-01-095 (Order 99-213), § 220-20-025, filed 12/15/99, effective 1/15/00; WSR 98-15-031 (Order 98-120), § 220-20-025, filed 7/7/98, effective 8/7/98; WSR 95-23-020 (Order 95-166), § 220-20-025, filed 11/8/95, effective 12/9/95; WSR 94-12-009 (Order 94-23), § 220-20-025, filed 5/19/94, effective 6/19/94; WSR 90-06-045 (Order 90-15), § 220-20-025, filed 3/1/90, effective 4/1/90; WSR 80-13-064 (Order 80-123), § 220-20-025, filed 9/17/80; Order 1179, § 220-20-025, filed 11/19/74; Order 990, § 220-20-025, filed 5/11/72; Order 810, § 220-20-025, filed 4/17/69.]
PDF220-320-070
Geographical definitions—Marine Area 7 shrimp fishing subareas.
(1) Marine Area 7 South: The portion of Marine Area 7 south of a line from Biz Point on Fidalgo Island to Cape Saint Mary on Lopez Island, then south of a line from Davis Point on Lopez Island to Cattle Point on San Juan Island, then south of a line projected due west from Lime Kiln Point light to the international boundary.
(2) Marine Area 7 West: The portion of Marine Area 7 north of a line from Davis Point on Lopez Island to Cattle Point on San Juan Island, then north of a line due west from Lime Kiln Point light to the international boundary, then west of a line from the bell buoy at the international boundary to Point Doughty on Orcas Island, then west of a line projected true north and south from the western tip of Crane Island, then west of a line projected from the southern tip of Shaw Island to the number 2 buoy at the entrance to Fisherman Bay.
(3) Marine Area 7 East: The portion of Marine Area 7 north of a line from Biz Point on Fidalgo Island to Cape Saint Mary on Lopez Island, then east of a line projected from the number 2 buoy at the entrance to Fisherman Bay to the southern tip of Shaw Island, then east of a line projected true north and south from the western tip of Crane Island, then east of a line from Point Doughty on Orcas Island to the bell buoy at the international boundary.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-320-070, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-01-085 (Order 16-322), § 220-16-265, filed 12/16/16, effective 1/16/17; Order 817, § 220-16-265, filed 5/29/69. Formerly WAC 220-16-020 (part).]
SHELLFISH RULES OF GENERAL APPLICATION
PDF220-320-100
Crab—General unlawful acts.
(1) It is unlawful to take or possess soft-shelled crab for any purpose. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.160 or 77.15.550, depending on whether the crab was taken for personal use or commercial purposes.
(2) It is unlawful for any person to take or possess any female Dungeness crab for any purpose. All female Dungeness crab caught must be released immediately. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.380 or 77.15.550, depending on whether the crab was taken for personal use or commercial purposes.
(3) It is unlawful to use bleach or antifreeze bottles or any other container as a float for gear used in recreational or commercial crab harvesting. Violation of this subsection is punishable under RCW 77.15.382 or 77.15.520, depending on whether the crab was taken for personal use or commercial purposes.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-320-100, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 12-23-016 (Order 12-267), § 220-52-005, filed 11/9/12, effective 12/10/12.]
PDF220-320-110
Commercial crab geographical management units—Puget Sound.
For purposes of crab harvest management, Puget Sound commercial crab uses a hierarchy of geographical management units consisting of region, subregion, Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Area (catch area), and subarea. This section defines these units.
(1) The following areas are defined as Puget Sound Crab Management Regions and Subregions:
(a) Region 1 - (North Puget Sound): All waters of Catch Areas (see WAC 220-301-040) 20A, 20B, 21A, 21B, 22A, and 22B.
(b) Region 2-East (2E) - (Eastern Central Puget Sound): All waters of Catch Areas 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, and Subarea 26A-E (subareas defined in subsection (2) of this section).
(c) Region 2-West (2W) - (Western Central Puget Sound): All waters of Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 25B, 25D, and Subarea 26A-W.
(d) Region 3: All waters within Catch Areas 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 25A, 25E, and 29.
(i) Subregion 3-1 - (Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca): All waters of Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 23A and 23B.
(ii) Subregion 3-2 - (Southeastern Strait of Juan de Fuca): All waters of Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 23D, 25A, and 25E.
(iii) Subregion 3-3 - (Central Strait of Juan de Fuca): All waters of Subarea 23C-East.
(iv) Subregion 3-4 - (Western Strait of Juan de Fuca): All waters of Subarea 23C-West and Catch Area 29.
(e) Region 4 - (Southern Central Puget Sound): All waters of Catch Areas 26B and 26C.
(f) Region 5 - (Hood Canal): All waters of Catch Areas 25C, 27A, 27B, and 27C.
(g) Region 6 - (South Puget Sound): All waters of Catch Areas 26D, 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D.
(2) The following areas are defined as Puget SoundCommercial Crab Subareas: For purposes of Puget Sound Crab harvest allocation, fishing season, and catch reporting, Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas (catch areas; WAC 220-301-040) are modified as follows:
(a) Catch Area 23C is divided into two subareas:
(i) Crab Subarea 23C-East (23C-E): All waters of Puget Sound westerly of a line true north from Ediz Hook Light (48.1400°, -123.4025°) to the International Boundary; and easterly of a line projected true north from Low Point (48.1608°, -123.8268°).
(ii) Crab Subarea 23C-West (23C-W): All waters of Puget Sound westerly of a line true north from Low Point (48.1608°, -123.8268°) to the International Boundary; and easterly of a line projected true north from the mouth of the Sekiu River (48.2878°, -124.3954°).
(b) Catch Area 26A is divided into two crab subareas:
(i) Crab Subarea 26A-East (26A-E): All waters of Puget Sound south of a line from Sandy Point (on Whidbey Island; 48.0342°, -122.3764°) to Camano Head (48.0570°, -122.3580°) and from Camano Head to the northern tip of Gedney (Hat) Island (48.0215°, -122.3274°), and from the southern tip of Gedney (Hat) Island (48.0048°, -122.3580°) east to the mainland (to near the northern end of the Everett 10th St. Marina, 48.0048°, -122.2219°), and north and east of a line that extends from the southern tip of Possession Point (47.9061°, -122.3846°) to the shipwreck located 0.8 nautical miles north of Picnic Point (47.8931°, -122.3286°) on the opposite shore.
(ii) Crab Subarea 26A-West (26A-W): All waters of Puget Sound south and east of a line from Foulweather Bluff (47.9392°, -122.6139°) to Double Bluff (47.9677°, -122.5460°), and northerly of a line from Apple Cove Point (47.8146°, -122.4834°) to Point Edwards (47.8027°, -122.3943°), and south and west of a line that extends from the southern tip of Possession Point (47.9061°, -122.3846°) to the shipwreck located 0.8 nautical miles north of Picnic Point (47.8931°, -122.3286°).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04-055 [77.04.055], 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-08-048, § 220-320-110, filed 3/31/22, effective 5/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), amended and recodified as § 220-320-110, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 06-01-013 (Order 05-275), § 220-16-260, filed 12/9/05, effective 1/9/06; WSR 01-03-016 (Order 00-271), § 220-16-260, filed 1/5/01, effective 2/5/01; Order 817, § 220-16-260, filed 5/29/69. Formerly WAC 220-16-020 (part).]
PDF220-320-120
Puget Sound Crustacean (crab and shrimp) Special Management Areas.
The following areas shall be defined as Puget Sound Crustacean (crab and shrimp) Special Management Areas (CSMA):
(1) Discovery Bay:
(a) Crustacean Special Management Area: All waters of Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Area 25E - Discovery Bay south of a line from Diamond Point (48.0945°, -122.9152°) to Cape George (48.1034°, -122.8847°).
(b) Shrimp District: All waters of Catch Area 25E and those waters of Catch Area 25A south of a line from McCurdy Point (48.1358°, -122.8374°) on the Quimper Peninsula to the northern tip of Protection Island (48.1327°, -122.9285°), then to Rocky Point (48.0964°, -122.9754°) on the Miller Peninsula.
(2) Dungeness Bay CSMA: All waters of Dungeness Bay west of the -123.1103° (123°06.6') longitude line originating from the New Dungeness Light (48.1818°, -123.1103°).
(3) Everett Flats CSMA: That portion of Catch Area 26A-E (see WAC 220-320-110) east of a line from western edge of Howarth Park (47.9619°, -122.2441°) true north to the southern tip of Gedney (Hat) Island (48.0048°, -122.3060°) and that portion of 24B east of a line from the northern tip of Gedney (Hat) Island (48.0215°, -122.3274°) to Camano Head (48.0570°, -122.3580°) and south of a line drawn from Camano Head to Hermosa Point (48.0620°, -122.2935°) on the Tulalip reservation.
(4) Port Angeles Harbor CSMA: That portion of Marine Fish-Shellfish Catch Area 23D west of a line from the Ediz Hook Light (48.1400°, -123.4025°) to the site of the ITT Rayonier Dock (48.1169°, -123.4083°).
(5) Port Townsend Bay CSMA: Those waters of Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Area 25D within a line projected from the Point Hudson Marina entrance to the northern tip of Indian Island (48.0853°, -122.7303°), thence to Kala Point (48.0575°, -122.7674°) and thence following the shoreline to the point of origin.
(6) Sequim Bay CSMA: All waters of Sequim Bay south of Travis Spit and a line west from the western tip of Travis Spit (Klapot Point) to the dock at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (48.0793°, -123.0452°).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 23-22-110 (Order 2023-10), § 220-320-120, filed 10/31/23, effective 12/1/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04-055 [ 77.04.055], 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-08-048, § 220-320-120, filed 3/31/22, effective 5/1/22. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-320-120, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. WSR 07-05-051 (Order 07-22), § 220-16-270, filed 2/16/07, effective 3/19/07; WSR 04-07-009 (Order 04-39), § 220-16-270, filed 3/4/04, effective 5/1/04; WSR 03-16-097 (Order 03-180), § 220-16-270, filed 8/6/03, effective 9/6/03; WSR 01-03-016 (Order 00-271), § 220-16-270, filed 1/5/01, effective 2/5/01; Order 817, § 220-16-270, filed 5/29/69. Formerly WAC 220-16-020 (part).]
PDF220-320-130
Razor clam sanctuaries.
The areas described below are set aside for experimental purposes for the department's razor clam research project. As need arises, the department will close specific sections of these areas to public use for project or experimental purposes.
(1) Long Beach: From a point beginning 2.7 miles north of the Oysterville beach approach, then north for 1/4 mile (1,320 feet).
(2) Twin Harbors Beach: From a line extending 1/4 mile (1,320 feet) westward, south of the county line beach approach.
(3) Copalis Beach: From a point beginning 4/10 of a mile south of the Ocean City beach approach (2nd Ave.) and extending 1/4 mile (1,320 feet) south.
(4) "Beach approach" means a signed and established public access roadway providing access to the beach that is typically maintained by state parks and recreation and may be associated with a city or county road.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.020, 77.04.055, and 77.12.047. WSR 17-05-112 (Order 17-04), recodified as § 220-320-130, filed 2/15/17, effective 3/18/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 13-02-043 (Order 12-290), § 220-56-372, filed 12/21/12, effective 1/21/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040. WSR 00-08-038 (Order 00-29), § 220-56-372, filed 3/29/00, effective 5/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. WSR 96-05-004 (Order 96-13), § 220-56-372, filed 2/9/96, effective 5/1/96; WSR 87-09-066 (Order 87-16), § 220-56-372, filed 4/21/87; WSR 83-07-043 (Order 83-16), § 220-56-372, filed 3/17/83; WSR 82-07-047 (Order 82-19), § 220-56-372, filed 3/18/82; WSR 80-13-064 (Order 80-123), § 220-56-372, filed 9/17/80.]
PDF220-320-140
Commercial shrimp geographical management units—Puget Sound.
Puget Sound commercial shrimp harvest management utilizes a hierarchy of geographical management units consisting of region, subregion, Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Area (catch area), and subarea. This section defines these units.
(1) The following areas are defined as Puget Sound Shrimp Management Regions and subregions:
(a) Region 1 - Trawl fishery: All waters of Catch Areas 20A, 20B, 21A, 21B, 22B, and 22A;
Region 1 - Pot fishery: All waters of Catch Areas 20A, 20B, 21A, 21B, 22B, and Catch Area 22A, except the southwesterly portion of Catch Area 22A south of a line true west from Lime Kiln Point Light (48.5159°, -123.1525°) on San Juan Island to the International Boundary, then south of the shoreline of San Juan Island from Lime Kiln Point Light to Cattle Point (48.4501°, -122.9636°), then south of a line from Cattle Point to Davis Point (48.4559°, -122.9355°) on Lopez Island, and south of the shoreline of Lopez Island from Davis Point to Point Colville (48.4217°, -122.8131°; see (d) of this subsection—Region 3).
(i) Subregion 1A: All waters of Catch Area 20B west of a line from Point Doughty (48.7117°, -122.9492°) on Orcas Island to the bell buoy (48.7649°, -123.0145°) at the International Boundary and all waters of Catch Area 22A west of a line projected true north and south from the western tip of Crane Island (48.5975°, -123.0078°), west of a line projected from the number 4 marker (48.5223°, -122.9173°) at the entrance to Fisherman Bay to the southern tip of Shaw Island (48.5466°, -122.9487°), and north of a line true west from Lime Kiln Point Light (48.5159°, -123.1525°) on San Juan Island to the International Boundary.
(ii) Subregion 1B: All waters of Catch Area 20B east of a line from Point Doughty (48.7117°, -122.9492°) on Orcas Island to the bell buoy at the International Boundary (48.7649°, -123.0145°), and waters of Catch Area 22A east of a line projected true north and south from the western tip of Crane Island (48.5975°, -123.0078°), east of a line projected from the number 4 marker (48.5223°, -122.9173°) at the entrance to Fisherman Bay to the southern tip of Shaw Island (48.5466°, -122.9487°), and east of a line projected true south from Point Colville (48.4217°, -122.8131°), and all waters of Catch Area 21A north and west of a line from the southern tip of Sinclair Island (48.6097°, -122.6572°) to Carter Point (48.6404°, -122.6088°) at the southern tip of Lummi Island.
(iii) Subregion 1C: All waters of Catch Areas 20A, 21B, 22B, and those waters of Catch Area 21A not included in Subregion 1B.
(b) Region 2-East (2E): All waters of Catch Areas 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, and Subarea 26A-E (east; subareas defined in subsections (2) and (3) of this section).
(c) Region 2-West (2W): Waters of Catch Areas 25B, 25C, 25D, and Subarea 26A-W (west).
(d) Region 3 - Trawl fishery: All waters of Catch Areas 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 25A, 25E, and 29.
Region 3 - Pot fishery: All waters of Catch Areas 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, 25A, 25E, 29, and the southwesterly portion of Catch Area 22A south of a line true west from Lime Kiln Point Light (48.5159°, -123.1525°) on San Juan Island to the International Boundary, then south of the shoreline of San Juan Island from Lime Kiln Point Light to Cattle Point (48.4501°, -122.9636°), then south of a line from Cattle Point to Davis Point (48.4559°, -122.9355°) on Lopez Island, and south of the shoreline of Lopez Island from Davis Point to Point Colville (48.4217°, -122.8131°).
(e) Region 4: All waters of Catch Area 26C and 26B, which is divided into Subareas 26B-1 and 26B-2 (subareas defined in subsection (2) of this section).
(f) Region 5: All waters of Catch Areas 27A, 27B, and 27C.
(g) Region 6: All waters of Catch Areas 26D, 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D.
(2) The following areas are defined as Puget Sound Commercial Shrimp Subareas, shrimp pot harvest: For purposes of Puget Sound shrimp pot harvest allocation, fishing season, and catch reporting, catch areas (WAC 220-301-040) are modified as follows:
(a) That portion of Catch Area 22A south of a line true west from Lime Kiln Point Light (48.5159°, -123.1525°) on San Juan Island to the International Boundary, then south of the shores of San Juan Island from Lime Kiln Point Light to Cattle Point (48.4501°, -122.9636°), then south of a line from Cattle Point to Davis Point on Lopez Island (48.4559°, -122.9355°), and south of the shoreline of Lopez Island from Davis Point to Point Colville (48.4217°, -122.8131°) shall be considered to be part of Catch Area 23A.
(b) Catch Area 23A is divided into four subareas:
(i) Subarea 23A-E (east): All waters of Catch Area 23A east of -122.9500° (122°57'W) longitude and north of 48.3750° (48°22.5'N) latitude.
(ii) Subarea 23A-W (west): All waters of Catch Area 23A west of -122.9500° (122°57'W) longitude and north of 48.3750° (48°22.5'N) latitude.
(iii) Subarea 23A-C (central): All waters of Catch Area 23 south of 48.3750° (48°22.5'N) latitude and east of a line projected 335° true from the New Dungeness Lighthouse (48.1818°, -123.1103°).
(iv) Subarea 23A-S (south): All waters of Catch Area 23A west of a line projected 335° true from the New Dungeness Lighthouse (48.1818°, -123.1103°).
(c) Catch Area 26A is divided into two subareas:
(i) Subarea 26A-E (east): All waters of Catch Area 26A north and east of a line projected 110° true from the southern tip of Possession Point (47.9061°, -122.3846°) on Whidbey Island to the shipwreck located 0.8 nautical miles north of Picnic Point (47.8931°, -122.3286°) on the opposite shore.
(ii) Subarea 26A-W (west): All waters of Catch Area 26A south and west of a line projected 110° true from the southern tip of Possession Point (47.9061°, -122.3846°) on Whidbey Island to the shipwreck located 0.8 nautical miles north of Picnic Point (47.8931°, -122.3286°) on the opposite shore.
(d) Catch Area 26B is divided into two subareas:
(i) Subarea 26B-1: All waters of Catch Area 26B westerly of a line projected from West Point (47.6619°, -122.4348°) to Alki Point (47.5763°, -122.4199°).
(ii) Subarea 26B-2: All waters easterly of a line projected from West Point (47.6619°, -122.4348°) to Alki Point (47.5763°, -122.4199°).
(3) The following areas are defined as Puget Sound Shrimp Subareas, shrimp trawl harvest: For the purpose of Puget Sound shrimp trawl harvest allocation and catch reporting, catch areas (WAC 220-301-040) are modified as follows:
(a) Trawl Subarea 23A East: That portion of Catch Area 23A, east of a line projected true north from the New Dungeness Lighthouse (48.1818°, -123.1103°) to the International Boundary.
(b) Trawl Subarea 23A West: That portion of Catch Area 23A, west of a line projected true north from the New Dungeness Lighthouse (48.1818°, -123.1103°) to the International Boundary.
(4) The following areas are defined as shrimp beam trawl harvest areas of special designation:
(a) South Lopez Sound is defined as those waters of Lopez Sound within Subregion 1B that are south of a line projected true east-west from the northern tip of Trump Island (48.5064°, -122.8369°).
(b) Rosario Box is defined as that portion of Catch Area 22A within Subregion 1B that are east of a line projected along -122.7833° longitude (east of Blakely Island) and west of a line projected along -122.7167° longitude (west of Cypress Island) in Rosario Strait.
(c) Lummi-Sinclair Triangle is defined as those waters of Catch Area 21A north and west of a line from the southern tip of Sinclair Island (48.6097°, -122.6572°) to Carter Point (48.6404°, -122.6088°) on Lummi Island.
(5) In shrimp Subregions 1A, 1B, and 1C, all catch must be reported by catch area and subregion combined (for example 22A-1A).
[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 23-22-110 (Order 2023-10), § 220-320-140, filed 10/31/23, effective 12/1/23. Statutory Authority: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04-055 [ 77.04.055], 77.12.045, and 77.12.047. WSR 22-08-048, § 220-320-140, filed 3/31/22, effective 5/1/22.]