Fish Committee backs staff rules easing Puget Sound spot/non-spot shrimp pot licensing

Aaron (staff) presented a rulemaking package to the Fish Committee on April 16 to implement a recent senate bill and to clean up administrative language in WAC sections governing Puget Sound spot and non-spot shrimp pot fisheries. Key staff proposals included correcting a typographical reference to buoy markings, clarifying how mesh is measured and tested for compliance, and permitting same-day harvest of spot and non-spot shrimp provided the spot shrimp landing is completed and reported before engaging non-spot fishing.

"We're gonna recommend the commission adopt the rules as presented by staff," Aaron told commissioners, noting staff had accommodated verbal public comments and consulted enforcement officials who supported the same-day-harvest change because electronic fish tickets (deployed in 2022) allow reliable landing records. Daniel Sund (Port Townsend office) explained gear differences (spot shrimp gear uses about 1-inch mesh, non-spot uses about 0.5-inch mesh), said bycatch of spot shrimp in non-spot pots is site-specific and generally low, and described typical onboard sorting practices and release procedures. He added that a non-spot pot might hold at most about 10 pounds of catch, with most pots averaging closer to 1–2 pounds, making onboard sorting practicable.

After clarification from staff, Commissioner Steve Parker moved that the Fish Committee recommend the full commission adopt staff's proposed rules. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote; commissioners recorded "aye" responses and thanked staff and the fleet for engagement in developing the package. The committee's recommendation will be placed on the full commission agenda the following day for final action.