Share your opinion on fishing rules

OLYMPIA – The state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public opinion on updates to fishing rules and regulations.

The proposed changes would reclassify bull trout, Dolly Varden, eastern brook trout, and lake trout from "trout" to "char." It would close a portion of Puget Sound to recreational sea cucumber harvest.

The proposed updates are to clarify rules for the public and align them with the latest science and conservation efforts, according to WDFW.

"We know that fishing regulations can be confusing and we're always looking to make the rules clearer," said Kirt Hughes, of WDFW's fish management division. "At the same time, we have to be adaptive to ensure the regulations help in meeting conservation targets statewide."

Anyone interested in providing their opinion can submit comments at ttps://publicinput.com/RecFishing.

The public can comment on the proposals during the Dec. 2-4 meeting.

The proposals can be found at https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/meetings.

"It's important to note that we're still in the early part of the rule-making process, so now is an excellent time to let us know your thoughts on these proposed changes," Hughes said.

The comment period is open until Dec. 4. If adopted, the rules are expected to take effect in summer 2022.

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