OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is hosting a virtual public meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, to discuss management options for the 2027-2028 coastal recreational bottomfish fisheries and recommendations on the Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) optional halibut fishing days in June.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) manages West Coast bottomfish on a two-year cycle. The PFMC is currently considering harvest levels (annual catch limits) and management measures, such as seasons and bag limits that will affect Washington coastal bottomfish fisheries during the 2027-2028 biennium.
The meeting will include discussion and public comment opportunities for potential management measures intended to keep the catch within Washington's recreational harvest guidelines during the upcoming biennium. In addition, WDFW fishery managers will take recommendations on the Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) optional halibut days in June.
The May 20 meeting will be conducted virtually on Microsoft Teams. Refer to the WDFW events webpage and the WDFW recreational bottomfish and halibut webpage for more information.
The meeting will be recorded and posted to WDFW's YouTube channel so people can watch afterwards at their convenience. Refer to the PFMC's groundfish website for more information on bottomfish management.
WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.