OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is hosting a virtual public meeting to discuss management options for the 2027-2028 coastal recreational bottomfish fisheries on Feb. 17 at 4 p.m.
West Coast bottomfish are managed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) on a biennial management 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 Feb. 17 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.
WDFW may host additional public meetings in spring 2026 to in conjunction with the PFMC’s public process during PFMC meetings in April and June of 2026.
The meeting will be conducted virtually on Microsoft Teams. To participate, use this weblink. If prompted, the meeting ID is 271 045 092 122 86 and the passcode is Z37iT3PD. Participants can also join by phone by dialing 564-999-2000 and entering conference ID 336 613 810#.
For additional information, refer to the WDFW recreational bottomfish and halibut webpage. The meeting will be recorded and posted online to WDFW’s YouTube channel so people can also watch afterwards at their convenience.
For more information on bottomfish management, refer to the PFMC’s groundfish website.
WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.