BREMERTON — For the first time in years, state fishing regulators say there will be no recreational fishing season for chinook salmon in central Puget Sound this year.
The Kitsap Sun reports that officials hope putting the fish off-limits for at least a year will help rebuild their dwindling stocks in the Lake Washington basin. The decision, announced Wednesday, covers what is known as Marine Area 10, from Dyes and Sinclair inlets to Seattle.
Chinook, also known as king salmon, are prized for their size and flavor. The state says their numbers have declined about 25 percent since they were listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1999.
Sport fishing groups aren’t happy about the total closure. But tribal fisheries managers said that with ongoing habitat loss and this year’s weather pattern, including warmer water temperatures, this could be a bad year for the fish.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.