HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-17 RESOLUTION O.
A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Port Angeles, Washington,
in support of the recreational fishing industry as vitally important to the
economic health and well-being of the City of Port Angeles, and Clallam
and Jefferson Counties.
WHEREAS, the City of Port Angeles acknowledges that the Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife currently sets halibut seasons using poundage quotas set by the
International Pacific Halibut Commission and approved by the Pacific Fishery Management
Council; and
WHEREAS, the halibut fishing season has dwindled from a 70 day season in 2006 to
12 days in 2014, 11 days in 2015, eight days in 2016 and now only three non-consecutive days
in 2017; and
WHEREAS, we have substantiated dramatic economic losses to local businesses in the
motel, food, fuel,tackle and other businesses as well as the impact of the cancellation of the
annual halibut derby, which is a significant tourist draw; and
WHEREAS, a three day season is unsafe as lives and property have been and may be
lost when someone makes a wrong decision to go out in bad weather because that is the only
time they can legally fish during the year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Port Angeles intends to seek restoration of business activity as well as increased safety for the
recreational fishing community by requesting the following regulations starting with the 2018
recreational halibut fishing season:
1) Fixed annual bag/possession limit of six (6) fish per person per year
2) No poundage limit on an individual fish
3) Limit of one(1) fish per day and two (2)in possession
4) Season - second Saturday in March through the third Saturday in October(to track the
i
Pacific Fishery Management Council's(PPFS) ocean bottom fish fishery dates)
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Port Angeles at a regular meeting of said
Council held on the 7h day of February, 2017.
Patrick Downie, Mayor
ATTEST: APP LIVED A� �O FJIM 1 0 CIRM;
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Jknnif Veneklasen, City Clerk Wifilam E. 136,6r,' ty Attorney
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