Fishermen and local seafood aficionados are in for a temporary pause as Marine Area 13, a popular salmon spot in South Puget Sound, is closing for salmon fishing, effective tomorrow. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has announced that the closure will remain in effect until further notice as pre-existing Endangered Species Act coverage is about to expire, and no new authorization is in place yet.
Known for its Chinook catches, especially in the May period, it's abrupt closure is tied to the current lack of federal ESA consultations for Puget Sound salmon fisheries. The fisheries in this area have been noted to impact populations of listed Chinook salmon, which are protected under federal law. The current authorization that allows fishing activities within the region sunsets on May 15, and despite tireless efforts, new consultations have not been completed, forcing the hand of the WDFW.
The department, eager to minimize disruption to local anglers and fisheries, has assured this measure to be a brief hiccup. The looming closure, which seemed inevitable to most government watchers, was expected to be as short-lived as salmon's jump upstream — authorities anticipate the federal ESA review to wrap up within days. Once these reviews are completed, and ESA authorizations are granted for the proposed 2024-25 Puget Sound salmon fishing package, the waters will reopen to fishing.
While this temporary measure has surely sent ripples through the recreational and commercial fishing communities, the WDFW argues that it is a necessary step to align with conservation efforts and adhere to federal mandates. For those anglers itching to return to the waters, the department has provided a contact number for further information — Fish Program, 360-902-2700 — and updates are to be posted on the WDFW website, advising when it's legal once again to cast lines in Area 13.
