Action: Closes recreational harvest of sea cucumbers in all waters of Puget Sound.

Effective date: March 1, 2022, until further notice.

Species affected: Parastichopus californicus, the California or Giant Red Sea Cucumber.

Location:  Marine Areas 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh Line, 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, and 13.

Reason for action: A spawning closure period of March 1 through June 30 has been agreed to by sea cucumber co-managers in all waters of Puget Sound for all sea cucumber fisheries. This fishing rule change to personal-use harvest rules supports conservation of the species in accordance with co-manager agreement. 

Additional information: Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) is closed year-round by WAC 220-330-090 and is therefore excluded from this rule change.

Information contact: Taylor Frierson, F&W Biologist III – Echinoderm Fishery Manger, taylor.frierson@dfw.wa.gov, 360-902-2652