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06/05/2011: "Coon & Pink Shrimp Season"

Sport-fishing seasons for coonstripe and pink shrimp will get under way in the north/central portion of Marine Area 7 (San Juan Islands), with a 200-foot maximum fishing depth restriction. All spot shrimp must be immediately returned to the water during those fisheries, which run through Oct. 15.

Mark O’Toole, a WDFW shellfish biologist, said rough weather reduced the expected catch in all six areas of Puget Sound during openings earlier this month.

"Catch rates by individual boats were generally high, but strong winds and high seas kept some people off the water," O’Toole said. "That left enough spot shrimp available under the quota for one more day of fishing in these areas."

In all areas, the catch limit is 80 shrimp per day. A valid 2011-12 fishing license is required to participate in the fishery.