It was a good day to be on the water as dozens of boats filled the waters of Elliott Bay May 1, as the first half of the two day shrimp season in the bay opened. It was also the opening day of boating season. The second day for shrimp in the bay is May 5.
Boats were filling the waters off Harbor Avenue in Elliott Bay for the first day of the recreational shrimp harvest, May 1. From 7:00 AM to 3 PM shrimpers were allowed to go into the bay (Marine Area 10) to catch their limit of 80 shrimp. The next open harvest day for Elliott Bay is May 5.
Spot, Coonstripe, and Pink shrimp are all allowed.
Since May 1 is also opening day of boating season, it made for some crowded waters as shrimpers, recreational boaters, fishers, kayakers, and paddle boarders all got out to enjoy the water.
According to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife rules:
Each harvester must have a separate container for their catch, either in their possession or identified with their name.
No minimum carapace size.
Maximum of two shrimp pots per person and no more than four shrimp pots per boat.
Prior to harvesting, check the Shellfish Rule Change free Hotline (866) 880-5431 or http://wdfw.wa.gov for season closures and restrictions.
