The Associated Press
SEATTLE — The state has opened Puget Sound marine area rivers and lakes that were closed because of protracted negotiations between tribal and state officials.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife said Friday it received federal approval to open Puget Sound areas that had been closed May 1.
If the closure had continued, it would have had an impact on salmon seasons off the Strait of Juan de Fuca east of Sekiu, which will open Friday.
Federal approval is needed to ensure that fishing doesn’t harm endangered salmon stocks.
“We know Puget Sound anglers have been frustrated by the late start to this year’s salmon season,” John Long, salmon fisheries policy lead for Fish and Wildlife, said in a statement.
“This opening puts the year’s salmon fisheries back on track.”
The season for Marine Areas 5 (Sekiu) and 6 (East Strait of Juan de Fuca) begins Friday.
The agreement doesn’t effect Marine Areas 3 (La Push ) and 4 (Neah Bay) because those areas are managed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. Salmon fishing begins July 1 in both marine areas.
It also doesn’t affect West End Rivers and streams because those are not considered part of Puget Sound.
The state and Puget Sound tribes, which have shared management of fisheries for decades, did not reach an agreement over annual catch limits during its usual season-setting process this spring.
They typically submit a joint management plan by mid-April to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
As talks dragged on and with the previous federal permit expiring April 30, Fish and Wildlife closed recreational and non-tribal commercial salmon fishing in Puget Sound and rivers that feed into it May 1.
Both sides announced they would seek separate federal permits, prompting concerns that the 2016-17 fishing season in Puget Sound could be delayed or not happen.
The state and tribes eventually reached an agreement May 26 that ended the impasse, and together, they sought federal approval for a joint plan for Puget Sound that includes new restrictions to protect coho salmon.
Anglers are urged to check fishing regulations. Current regulations for sport fisheries in Puget Sound, rivers and lakes run through Thursday.
Most recreational salmon fishing begin in July, and new season regulations take effect Friday.
For Fish and Wildlife regulations, see www.wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations.
