USFWS Outreach/Education FY2005 Protected Salmonid Survey/Angler Outreach Project Progress Report

Home , Camano Island State Park, Damon Point, Fort Ebey State Park, Mystery Bay State Park, Tolmie State Park

Cooperative Agreement # 134104 Report Date: March 24, 2008 Reporting Period: November 1, 2005–December 5, 2007

Project Rationale and Objectives In recent years, Wild Fish Conservancy has received reports from recreational anglers of observed violations of no-harvest rules for trout, salmon and char in the marine waters of Washington State. Such illegal take may be significantly compromising conservation efforts, and may stem in part from confusion about the geographic range of the fishery regulations or from misidentification of protected species as harvestable salmonids. To assist in the protection of the anadromous life-history forms of these fishes, this cooperative project has developed educational signage that alerts the public about state and federal harvest restrictions on at-risk salmonids and illustrates diagnostic features to facilitate species identification in the field. The signs, installed throughout coastal Washington State, target Washington’s recreational nearshore anglers. To assess recreational fishing pressure on selected species, the project has implemented a 12-month harvest survey. The objective of the survey is to collect quantitative and qualitative information volunteered by anglers, which Wild Fish Conservancy will analyze and provide to USFWS and WDFW as feedback to assist with refinement of biologically based fishing regulations that are accessible and understandable by the public.

Methods The regulatory signage utilized in this project focuses on anadromous bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and sea-run coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki) and were developed by the USFWS’s Western Washington Fish and Wildlife Office (Fig. 1). At all posting sites, the regulatory sign was accompanied by an advertisement (Fig. 2) inviting recreational saltwater anglers in Washington to participate in an online harvest survey (described below). In order to distribute the signs as broadly as possible while maintaining cost-efficiency, Wild Fish Conservancy relied on the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office’s Boating Facilities Map (available online) to identify the managers of public access areas within one mile of the state’s marine shoreline, and in the lower reaches of the Skagit and Columbia Rivers. Wild Fish Conservancy contacted the managers of 295 facilities, including ports, marinas, state, county and city parks, as well as many boat ramps managed by WDFW, to request permission to post the signage and, if possible, to have on-site volunteers perform the sign installation. Managers agreeing to participate (Appendix A) were mailed hardcopies of the signs printed on durable, water-resistant paper along with instructions to post each pair of signs side-by-side and were encouraged

1 both to maintain the signs and to re-post as necessary during the course of the project period. This approach greatly reduced Wild Fish Conservancy’s direct labor costs during the sign installation phase of the project (April–June 2007). Geographic coordinates provided by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office were used to generate a map of all sign posting sites (see Results).

Figure 1. Regulatory sign.

Following page: Figure 2. Survey announcement sign.

2 SALTWATER ANGLERS: YOUR OPINIONS COUNT! If you fish recreationally in Washington State's marine water, your help is needed.

Washington’s saltwater anglers have a wealth of knowledge about recreational fishing activity in our state. Collecting this information is critical for sustaining fish populations and fishing opportunities. Please help by recording your opinions and experiences in the Washington Saltwater Angler Survey.

Take the survey: www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org www.wildfishconservancy.org Washington Saltwater Angler Survey: Angler Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington Angler Survey: Saltwater Washington The saltwater harvest survey (Appendix B) was developed by Wild Fish Conservancy in consultation with Jeff Chan (USFWS) and Jim Uehara (WDFW) and focuses on the marine life-history forms of four salmonids: coastal cutthroat trout, bull trout, chinook salmon and coho salmon. The survey, launched online May 29, 2007 and scheduled to run through May 31, 2008, is designed to collect data on angler demographics, fish identification skills and angling practices; common catch locations in Washington marine water; and recreational harvest pressure on the target species. The survey also assesses angler knowledge of state and federal fishing restrictions and solicits opinion on the clarity of current Washington State regulations. To expand public awareness of the project and augment the opportunity for anglers to contribute information and opinions, Wild Fish Conservancy contacted numerous Washington recreational fishing clubs (Appendix A) between November 2004 and June 2007 to request assistance in advertising the harvest survey. Participating clubs agreed to disseminate the survey’s Web address via email distribution lists and member newsletters. In spring 2007 Wild Fish Conservancy further supplemented the printed advertisements (Fig. 2) by inviting survey participation on its Web site, in direct email correspondence with its membership, and via Shared Strategy’s Watershed Group’s email distribution list, as well as by posting survey announcements on Washington Fly Fishing, an active online discussion forum, and in the Environmental News section of the Pacific Northwest Salmon Center’s Web site.

Results Signage Volunteer participation in sign installation was very good: 65 percent of marine access area managers contacted (193 of 295) agreed to accept, post and maintain signage at their facilities between spring 2007 and spring 2008 (Fig. 3). A total of 566 pairs of signs were mailed to these project partners; two additional pairs were installed by Wild Fish Conservancy crews. Sign posting sites ranged across Washington’s nearshore coastline, from Point Roberts south through the San Juan Islands and the Strait of Juan de Fuca; Hood Canal and north Puget Sound; the lower Skagit River from its mouth up to WDFW’s Hamilton facility above Sedro-Woolley; Lake Washington, Lake Union and Salmon Bay in Seattle; south Puget Sound; Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay; and the lower Columbia River from its mouth up to the Kalama River confluence (Fig. 4).

Figure 3. Typical sign installation. Willapa National Wildlife Refuge boat ramp, July 2007.

Survey Data from 215 online surveys submitted between May 29 and December 5, 2007 are presented below. Respondent Demographics Survey respondents were 95% male and ranged fairly evenly from under fifteen to over sixty-five years of age (mode: 46–50) (Fig. 5). These anglers reported a broad range of experience fishing in Washington marine water: 37% with more than 30 years of experience; 32% with 10 to 30 years; and 31% with less than 10 years (mean±S.D.=24±16 years) (Fig. 6). Anglers for the most part identified themselves as living very near to Washington’s marine coastline, with the greatest concentration of respondents in Bellingham Bay, mid Puget Sound between the cities of Edmonds and Everett, and the greater Olympia area (Fig. 7).

35 30

25 20 15 10 Frequency 5 0

5 0 5 0 0 5 r 1 -20 -25 e 6 1 6-6 d 1 2 26-3 31-3 36-4 41-45 46-50 51-55 5 61-6 Un Age in Ye ars Over 65

Figure 5. Survey respondent age distribution (N=208).

40 30

Frequency 10 0

≤5 6-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 Years Fishing in Washington Marine Water

Figure 6. Survey respondent experience distribution (N=204).

Fish Identification Photographs of the four salmonids in their ocean-phase appearance were presented to anglers for species identification (Appendix B: survey sections 4, 9, 14 and 20). Throughout the survey, coastal cutthroat trout was labeled as “Fish 1”, bull trout as “Fish 2”, chinook salmon as “Fish 3”, and coho salmon as “Fish 4”. Angler success in identifying these species is summarized in Figure 8. Between 37 and 50% of respondents gave incorrect identifications or indicated uncertainty about the species illustrated. Cutthroat trout were most commonly mistaken for rainbow trout/steelhead (Fig. 8A: 22% of respondents) with other incorrect answers including bull trout, chinook, coho and Atlantic salmon (13% of respondents). Anglers were least successful identifying bull trout and coho salmon (Fig. 8B,D) and most successful identifying chinook salmon (Fig. 8C). Two percent of respondents confused bull trout with cutthroat trout; and five percent confused coho with other salmon (chinook, chum, pink, sockeye).

Figure 8. Summary of species identification responses by anglers inspecting photographs of (A) coastal cutthroat trout; (B) bull trout; (C) chinook salmon; and (D) coho salmon in their marine appearance. N=213 responses per species.

Angling Practices For each salmonid in the survey, anglers were asked to report whether they typically measure the fish they catch in Washington marine water, or instead estimate fish body length (Appendix B: survey sections 7, 12, 16, 22). Among adult fish, bull trout were least frequently measured and cutthroat trout were most frequently measured during recent years (Table 1). Respondents indicated that they more frequently estimated the length of smaller individuals of a species than larger individuals (Table 1).

To assess the extent to which anglers attempt to determine if the salmon they catch in Washington marine water are of natural origin, the survey included photographs of hatchery and wild smolts illustrating, respectively, clipped and intact adipose fins (Appendix B: survey sections 14 and 20). Of the respondents who correctly identified chinook salmon and indicated having caught this species in Washington marine water, 10% (11 of 113) reported that they did not check for an intact adipose fin. For coho salmon, this figure was 5% (5 of 93).

8 Table 1. Percentage of survey respondents who estimated, rather than measured, the length of fish they caught in Washington marine water between 2004 and 2007*. Species Largest fish caught Smallest fish caught Cutthroat trout 65% 93% Bull trout 81% 94% Chinook salmon 70% 87% Coho salmon 76% 90%

*N=32–100 anglers reporting for each species.

Fish Encounter and Harvest Data The harvest survey solicited information about the marine locations in Washington State in which anglers have, over their lifetimes, made their greatest catches of the four target species. Marine catch sites were defined as habitats including nearshore and off-shore saltwater areas, estuaries, and the lower reaches of coastal rivers; Appendix B: survey sections 5, 10, 15 and 21). Figures 9–12 illustrate the distribution of these sites, with angler response frequency partitioned into WDFW-defined Marine Areas (cf. WDFW 2006/2007 Sport Fishing Rules p. 95). Reported lifetime marine catch locations for sea-run cutthroat trout were concentrated in Hood Canal and between Admiralty Inlet and south Puget Sound (Fig. 9). Bull trout were most frequently caught in the Westport-Ocean Shores region of the Olympic Peninsula (north of Grays Harbor), the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Skagit Bay and Port Susan (Fig. 10). Wild chinook and coho salmon were encountered by anglers over a broader range of marine areas, with the most frequently identified catch sites within the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Admiralty Inlet (Figs 11, 12).

Evaluated at a finer spatial scale, the marine habitats in which anglers made their catches also varied by species. Cutthroat trout and bull trout were most frequently caught in saltwater within 100 yards of shore and near river mouths (i.e. in estuaries and the lower reaches of coastal rivers) (Fig. 13A,B); anglers concentrated their effort in catching chinook and coho salmon in offshore and nearshore marine areas (Fig. 13C,D).

Anglers report encountering cutthroat trout and bull trout in Washington marine water most commonly between mid-summer and mid-fall, with limited catch also during mid-spring (Fig. 14A,B); chinook and coho were most commonly encountered during the summer months (Fig. 14C,D). All four species were typically caught in the morning (Fig. 15). The angling gear used by the respondent pool is summarized in Figure 16. Flies were used most frequently for catching cutthroat, bull trout and coho; lures and bait were used most frequently for catching chinook. For all species, single barbless hooks were favored over multiple barbed hooks.

To measure when harvest pressure on the target species has been greatest in recent decades, the reported year of lifetime greatest catch was regressed against angler experience reflected by the number of years fishing in Washington marine water (Fig. 17). This approach revealed that, since 1960, the greatest number of fish have been encountered by anglers during the past ten to fifteen years (mid 1990s to 2007). This pattern likely reflects increasing harvest pressure on the target species during recent years, but may also be influenced in part by reporting bias (i.e. the failure of anglers to recollect details of their less recent catches). Anglers with many years of experience reported greatest catches of sea-run cutthroat trout and bull trout throughout the decades of their personal fishing experience (1960s–present), but with relatively few greatest catch years between 1980 and 1995 (Fig. 17A,B). Based on angler responses, the 1960s and 1970s were periods largely without peak recreational catches of bull trout and wild coho salmon (Fig. 17B,D). The years of greatest catch of wild chinook salmon, by contrast, span the past five decades without major gaps in the temporal record (Fig. 17C).

Figure 13. Summary of marine habitat catch locations for (A) coastal cutthroat trout (N=167 respondents); (B) bull trout (N=54); (C) wild chinook salmon (N=184); and (D) wild coho salmon (N=186).

Figure 14. Distribution of “most common” month of catch of (A) coastal cutthroat trout (N=215 respondents); (B) bull trout (N=53); (C) wild chinook salmon (N=207); and (D) wild coho salmon (N=206) in Washington marine water.

Figure 15. Distribution of “most common” time of day of catch of (A) coastal cutthroat trout (N=215 respondents); (B) bull trout (N=53); (C) wild chinook salmon (N=207); and (D) wild coho salmon (N=206) in Washington marine water.

Figure 16. Summary of gear used by anglers to catch (A) coastal cutthroat trout (N=240 responses); (B) bull trout (N=86); (C) wild chinook salmon (N=321); and (D) wild coho salmon (N=294) in Washington marine water.

Figure 17. Year of greatest catch (most fish caught) during angler lifetime plotted as a function of angler experience (first year fishing in Washington State marine water) for (A) coastal cutthroat trout (N=117 respondents); (B) bull trout (N=111); (C) wild chinook salmon (N=128); and (D) wild coho salmon (N=102). Each angler reported greatest catch years for up to three marine locations. Blue line represents anglers’ first year fishing in Washington marine water.

16 Encounter and harvest data for the four species during the period 2004–2007 are presented in Table 2. Mean daily catch per angler over this reporting period was greatest for sea-run cutthroat and wild coho (between 2 and 3 fish per day); anglers encountered roughly one bull trout and one wild chinook on average during each day of fishing effort. The estimated mean annual marine catch per angler for each species is as follows: cutthroat trout: 5.9; bull trout; 1.7; wild chinook: 2.7; wild coho: 4.1.

Table 2. Summary of recreational harvest* of target species in Washington marine water between 2004 and 2007. Number Daily Total of catch Total Percentage Total Total Species catch per anglers per caught released released** harvested** angler reporting angler

Cutthroat trout 85 2.8±1.8 23.5±19.5 1998 99.1±6.8 1981 17

Bull trout 33 0.7±1.1 6.7±8.4 222 99.4±2.4 221 1

Chinook salmon 97 1.1±1.3 10.8±15.0 1050 86.4±28.0 907 143 (wild) Coho salmon 85 2.0±1.8 16.4±17.1 1393 80.6±34.3 1123 270 (wild)

*Catch and release data reported as mean±S.D. **Estimate based on mean percentage released.

Anglers reporting the body length of the largest and smallest individuals caught between 2004 and 2007 (Appendix B: survey sections 7, 12, 16, 22) indicated that encounters with both subadult and adult fish were common. The most frequently hooked cutthroat trout and bull trout were subadults less than 14 and 20 inches in total length, respectively) (Fig. 18A,B). According to WDFW Sport Fishing Rules, fish of this size are assumed to have had limited opportunity to spawn and are illegal to retain. Anglers most frequently hooked wild chinook and coho of reproductively mature size (greater than 24 and 20 inches, respectively) (Fig. 18C,D). The legality of such catch is difficult to evaluate from survey results since wild chinook and coho of all sizes must be released in certain Marine Areas and on certain dates per WDFW Sport Fishing Rules.

Anglers indicated that a substantial proportion of their catch of the four target species was unintentional during directed efforts to catch other marine fishes. Ten percent of anglers who hooked sea-run cutthroat trout in Washington marine water reported an intended target of salmon or steelhead (Fig. 19A). Seventy- nine percent of anglers reported marine encounters with bull trout as bycatch during attempts to target sea-run cutthroat, salmon and steelhead (Fig. 19B). Wild chinook bycatch was reported by 31% of respondents, primarily during angling for coho, cutthroat and hatchery chinook (Fig. 19C). Wild coho were caught inadvertently by 7% of anglers while targeting chinook, cutthroat, steelhead and hatchery coho (Fig. 19D).

Figure 18. Distribution of largest and smallest body size for catch of (A) coastal cutthroat trout (N=81 respondents); (B) bull trout (N=32); (C) wild chinook salmon (N=92); and (D) wild coho salmon (N=84) in Washington marine water 2004–2007.

Figure 19. Summary of species targeted by anglers during unintentional catch of (A) coastal cutthroat trout (N=17 respondents); (B) bull trout (N=48); (C) wild chinook salmon (N=56); and (D) wild coho salmon (N=8) in Washington marine water. In A and B, the “salmon” category includes chinook, coho, chum, pink and sockeye.

18 Angler Feedback on Fishing Regulations Survey participants demonstrated a good overall knowledge of state fishing regulations restricting harvest of the four target species (Appendix B: survey sections 8, 13, 19, 25). A large proportion of respondents understood that take of bull trout in Washington salt water (defined as excluding the lower reaches of coastal rivers) is unconditionally prohibited, and that harvest of sea-run cutthroat trout and wild chinook and coho salmon is allowed only in some saltwater areas at certain times of year (Table 3, Figure 20). Anglers reporting that take of coastal cutthroat trout in Washington salt water is “always allowed” (Fig. 20A: 59% of respondents) may have been unaware of the seasonal closure of Freshwater Bay within Marine Area 6 (WDFW 2006/2007 Sport Fishing Rules p. 105) or, for the purposes of the survey, may have disregarded this regulation because of its extremely limited spatial coverage. Excluding the Freshwater Bay restriction from consideration, 84% of anglers demonstrated general understanding of sea-run cutthroat fishing regulations (Fig. 20A: 25% conditionally allowed + 59% always allowed). Restrictions on take of bull trout in marine water were least well understood (Fig. 20B), while 90% or more of respondents knew that fishing for wild chinook and coho is subject to conditional regulations (Fig. 20C,D).

Table 3. Summary of angler knowledge and comment on clarity of fishing regulations for target species in Washington State salt water* Number Percentage with correct Percentage agreeing that of understanding of Species regulations are sufficiently clear anglers 2006/2007 WDFW to promote angler compliance reporting regulations

Cutthroat trout 106 25%** 59%

Bull trout 111 42% 36%

Chinook salmon 127 90% 60% (wild) Coho salmon 104 92% 59% (wild)

*Defined as excluding the lower reaches of coastal rivers. **84% excluding Freshwater Bay closure.

Anglers also had a good understanding of regulatory terminology used in the WDFW Sport Fishing Rules to define harvest restrictions (cf. Appendix B: survey section 26). Most respondents (85%) correctly answered that when regulations list fishing for a certain species as "closed" in a Washington marine area, the appropriate angling strategy in that area is to attempt not to catch the named species. Among these anglers, attitudes varied regarding how to respond if the named species is inadvertently hooked during fishing directed at other species: 61% indicated that they release all closed-harvest fish caught unintentionally; 22% release the first few such fish caught and then stop fishing in that marine area; and 2% keep some or all of the protected fish they land as bycatch (Fig. 21A). The remaining 15% of respondents indicated that they either intentionally target species for which fishing is closed (5%) or do not fish at all in that marine area (10%) (Fig. 21A).

Most respondents (91%) understood that when regulations list fishing for a certain species as “catch-and- release” in a Washington marine area, the appropriate angling strategy in that area is to release all

19 encountered individuals of the named species. Of these anglers, 66% reported that they intentionally target the named species for catch-and-release fishing while 25% indicated they do not direct fishing effort toward the named species (Fig. 21B). The remaining 9% of respondents expressed the opinion that catch-and-release results in significant harm for hooked fish and hence they either do not fish at all in marine areas designated catch-and-release (8%) or retain the fish they catch in violation of the regulations (1%) (Fig. 21B).

Figure 20. Summary of angler knowledge of state marine fishing regulations for (A) coastal cutthroat trout (N=106 respondents); (B) bull trout (N=111); (C) wild chinook salmon (N=127); and (D) wild coho salmon (N=104). Charts depict categories of angler opinion about whether intentionally fishing for each species in Washington salt water (not including the lower reaches of coastal rivers) is allowed by law; correct answers (per WDFW 2006/2007 Sport Fishing Rules) labeled in red.

Figure 21. Summary of angler fishing strategy when a given species is designated by the regulations as (A) “closed” (N=125 respondents) or (B) “catch-and-release” (N=127) in a Washington marine area. Charts depict categories of angler response; percentages corresponding to answers complying with WDFW 2006/2007 Sport Fishing Rules are labeled in red.

21 On the final page of the survey anglers were invited to elaborate on their submitted responses or to record any other comments. Respondents generally expressed a desire to comply with marine fishing regulations to assist in the protection of stocks and to sustain recreational fishing opportunities; some indicated they voluntarily release all fish caught in Washington marine water. However, many respondents (40–64%, Table 3) felt that current state regulations are not sufficiently clear to assist anglers in complying with harvest restrictions on the four target species. These anglers expressed frustration with the complexity of the WDFW Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. One wrote:

My responses cannot convey the irritation -- make that anger -- that I presently feel toward the micromanagement of the salmon resource in Puget Sound and the poorly drafted regulations that implement these micromanagement policies. One must be a lawyer and a geographer to begin to understand the rules…People who should be counted on to contribute license fees toward the management are now walking away in disgust, and that should be truly alarming to professional managers and policy makers.

Chief among complaints issued by anglers was confusion engendered by the definitions of WDFW Marine Area boundaries (“people do not always have GPS units with them or know the markers used”) as well as by the “onerous” and “Byzantine” sub-management / special exception zones (one angler cited p. 118 of the WDFW 2007/2008 Sport Fishing Rules as a compelling example). Some respondents observed that the complexity of the regulations results in anglers flouting the rules altogether. One commented:

My observation is that people generally keep whatever they catch and don’t worry about the species. The rules are too complicated for most people to figure it all out. They just want to fish, and as long as there is a plausible rationale that what they are doing is legal, they will catch and keep anything that looks edible.

Many respondents argued against single-species management of fish stocks and advocated catch-and- release open seasons with selective gear for all marine fish, with full closures to all fishing when necessary, as an alternative, simplifying solution. Those providing feedback acknowledged that the recreational angling community may require incentives to make such a conservation-based system successful statewide. Some respondents expressed concern over observed levels of bycatch of wild salmon in Washington marine water. It was reported that in saltwater areas in which fishing for wild chinook and coho salmon is closed anglers often hook multiple wild fish in the process of obtaining their legal daily limit of marked hatchery fish. To reduce potential catch-and-release mortality of natural- origin salmon, a daily limit of the first two fish caught, hatchery or wild, was suggested. Anglers also emphasized the need for state regulations to protect anadromous cutthroat and bull trout populations not only within Washington salt water habitats, but also in adjacent estuaries and coastal river systems through which these fish migrate.

22 Summary of Survey Results with Implications for Washington Marine Fishing Regulations • Up to 50% of survey participants misidentified or were uncertain about identifying the target species (coastal cutthroat trout, bull trout, wild chinook and wild coho) in their marine appearance; between 5 and 10% of recreational marine anglers fail to check for adipose-fin clipping of the chinook and coho they catch; between 65 and 94% estimate, rather than measure, the length of salmonids they catch in salt water; and 58% do not know the state regulations restricting fishing for bull trout in Washington saltwater. These survey findings highlight a valuable opportunity for WDFW and USFWS to increase efforts to educate the public about Washington marine fisheries and sound angling practices. • The greatest saltwater catches of sea-run cutthroat trout, bull trout and wild chinook and coho salmon made by survey respondents during their lifetimes have occurred since 1995, a result that may indicate a growing harvest pressure imposed by recreational anglers in recent years. • The average daily and annual catch of the target species as reported by anglers for the period 2004–2007 (Table 2) may inform biologically based daily, seasonal and annual recreational harvest limits in Washington marine water. • Relatively high angler encounter rates with illegal sized (subadult) sea-run cutthroat and bull trout may indicate a significant impact of recreational fishing on at-risk size classes. In general, data on the size classes of fish most commonly encountered by recreational anglers (e.g. Fig. 18) may shed light on the relative importance of recruitment to adulthood by smaller fish versus fecundity in larger fish as limiting factors in marine salmonid populations. • The majority of survey respondents indicated that during fishing efforts directed at catching steelhead, salmon and sea-run cutthroat trout, bull trout were commonly hooked inadvertently (Fig. 19). Regulations dictating allowable recreational marine harvest of salmonids should take into account potential impacts on other, at-risk species as bycatch. • Survey participants expressed a desire to comply with state marine fishing regulations to assist in the protection of stocks and to sustain recreational fishing opportunities, but also indicated frustration with the complexity of these regulations. Anglers advocated for catch-and-release open seasons with selective gear for all marine fish, with full closures to all fishing when necessary, as a simpler alternative to single-species management. Noteworthy is the significant proportion of anglers who, upon encountering protected marine species, voluntarily stop fishing in their current location (Fig. 21); such behavior may indicate receptivity to this practice being made a regulatory requirement.

23 Appendix A Project Partners I. Recreational fishing clubs In-kind contribution: distribution of angler survey advertisement, spring 2007.

Club City Contact Bainbridge Island FlyFishers Bainbridge Island Dave Boyce Clark-Skamania Flyfishers Vancouver Denny Way Evergreen Fly Fishing Club Everett Jesse Scott Federation of Fly Fishers, Washington Council Gig Harbor Vernon Young Kitsap Fly Anglers Silverdale Ken Jones Northwest Fly Anglers Seattle David Williams Puget Sound Anglers, East Jefferson chapter Port Townsend Gary Hulsey Puget Sound Fly Fishers Tacoma Carl Zarelli The Washington Fly Fishing Club Seattle Jim McRoberts

II. Marine access area managers In-kind contribution: sign installation and maintenance, spring 2007–summer 2008.

Facility Name Manager Manager City North Bay Kayak Park Allyn Port of Allyn North Shore Dock Allyn Port of Allyn Port of Allyn Public Boat Ramp Allyn Port of Allyn Port of Allyn Waterfront Park Allyn Port of Allyn Washington Park Anacortes Parks & Rec Dept Anacortes Cap Sante Marina - Moorage Anacortes Port of Anacortes Eagle Harbor Dock Bainbridge Island City of Bainbridge Island Chesterfield Beach Park Bellevue Parks & Comm Serv Bellevue Chism Beach Park Bellevue Parks & Comm Serv Bellevue Clyde Beach Park Bellevue Parks & Comm Serv Bellevue Enatai Beach Park Bellevue Parks & Comm Serv Bellevue Meydenbauer Beach Park Bellevue Parks & Comm Serv Bellevue Newcastle Beach Park Bellevue Parks & Comm Serv Bellevue SE 40th St. Boat Ramp Bellevue Parks & Comm Serv Bellevue 6th Street Boat Launch Bellingham Port of Bellingham Blaine Boat Ramp Bellingham Port of Bellingham Squalicum Harbor Bellingham Port of Bellingham Big Salmon Big Salmon Fishing Resort Neah Bay Lions Park (Bremerton) Bremerton Parks & Rec Dept Bremerton Chico Boat Ramp Bremerton Port of Bremerton Evergreen Park (Bremerton) Bremerton Port of Bremerton Harper Fishing Pier Bremerton Port of Bremerton Port of Brownsville Marina Brownsville Port of Bremerton Chinook County Park (Pacific Co.) Chinook Port of South Bend Port of Chinook Chinook Port of Chinook Captain Coupe Park Coupeville Town of Coupeville

24 Appendix A Project Partners II. Marine access area managers, con’t Facility Name Manager Manager City Willow Grove Beach Cowlitz County Parks & Rec Kelso Des Moines Marina Des Moines City of Des Moines Redondo Boat Launch Des Moines City of Des Moines Padilla Bay Ecology Dept of Lacey Edmonds Marina (Port of) Edmonds Port of Edmonds Eglon Boat Launch Eglon Port of Hansville Riverfront Park (Everett) Everett Parks & Rec Dept Everett Rotary Park (Everett) Everett Parks & Rec Dept Everett 10th Street Marine Park/Boat Launch Everett Port of Everett Port of Everett Marina Everett Port of Everett Abernathy Creek (WDFW) Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Brooks Slough Access (WDFW) Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Campbell Lake (WDFW) - Skagit Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Fabors Ferry North (WDFW) - Skagit River Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Grange Ramp Access (WDFW) Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Hamilton (WDFW) - Skagit River Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Hat Slough (WDFW) - Snohomish Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Lower (WDFW) - Kalama River Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Modrow Bridge (WDFW) - Kalama River Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Point Whitney Ramp Fish & Wildlife Dept of Brinnon Puget Island (WDFW) Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Samish Lake (WDFW) Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Sportsman's Club (WDFW) - Kalama River Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Spudhouse (WDFW) - Skagit River Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Whatcom Lake (WDFW) Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Youngs Bar (WDFW) Fish & Wildlife Dept of Olympia Foss Landing Marina Foss Landing Marina Tacoma Foss Waterway Marina Foss Waterway Marina LLC Tacoma Jackson Beach Park (Friday Harbor) Friday Harbor Port of Friday Harbor Fairharbor Boat Ramp Grapeview Port of Grapeview Ilwaco Boat Launch Ilwaco Port of Ilwaco Ala Spit Park Island County Parks & Rec Coupeville Cavalero Beach County Park Island County Parks & Rec Coupeville Dave Mackie Park (Maxwelton) Island County Parks & Rec Coupeville Driftwood Beach Park Island County Parks & Rec Coupeville Freeland Park (Holmes Harbor) Island County Parks & Rec Coupeville Hastie Lake Island County Parks & Rec Coupeville Maple Grove Boat Ramp Island County Parks & Rec Coupeville Mutiny Bay Ramp Island County Parks & Rec Coupeville Penn Cove County Park (north) Island County Parks & Rec Coupeville Utsalady #1 Island County Parks & Rec Coupeville Irondale Beach Park Jefferson County Parks Port Townsend Lower Oak Bay Park Jefferson County Parks Port Townsend

25 Appendix A Project Partners II. Marine access area managers, con’t Facility Name Manager Manager City North Beach County Park Jefferson County Parks Port Townsend South Indian Island County Park Jefferson County Parks Port Townsend William Hicks County Park Ramp Jefferson County Parks Port Townsend Port of Kalama Marina Kalama Port of Kalama Dockton Park King Co Parks & Rec Seattle Point No Point Lighthouse Park Kitsap County Parks and Rec Bremerton Salsbury Point Park Kitsap County Parks and Rec Bremerton Lakebay Marina Lakebay Marina Lakebay Langley Small Boat Harbor Langley City of Langley Gerhart Gardens Park Longview Parks & Rec Dept Longview Pomeroy Park Manchester Port of Manchester Latimer's Landing Mason County Parks & Rec Shelton Menard's Landing Mason County Parks & Rec Shelton Shorecrest Park Mason County Parks & Rec Shelton Union Ramp (Mason Co.) Mason County Parks & Rec Shelton Walker Park Mason County Parks & Rec Shelton Calkins Landing Mercer Island Parks & Rec Dept Mercer Island Clarke Beach Mercer Island Parks & Rec Dept Mercer Island Fishing piers and docks Mercer Island Parks & Rec Dept Mercer Island Groveland Beach Mercer Island Parks & Rec Dept Mercer Island Luther Burbank Park Beach Mercer Island Parks & Rec Dept Mercer Island Mercer Island Boat Launch Mercer Island Parks & Rec Dept Mercer Island Proctor Landing Mercer Island Parks & Rec Dept Mercer Island Zittel's Marina Mike Zittel Olympia Mike's Beach Resort Mikes Beach Resort Lilliwaup Makah Marina / West Wind Resort Neah Bay Port of Neah Bay Beach Park (Oak Harbor) Oak Harbor Marina Oak Harbor Oak Harbor Marina Oak Harbor Marina Oak Harbor Ole and Charlie's Marina Ole & Charlie's Marina Tacoma Olson's Marina Olson's Resort & Marina Sekiu Swantown Marina Olympia Port of Olympia Rosario Resort Olympus Hospitality Inc. Eastsound Port of Peninsula/Nahcotta Boat Basin Peninsula Port of Ocean Park Point Roberts Marina Point Roberts Marina Ltd Point Roberts Ediz Hook Boat Launch Port Angeles City of Port Angeles Boat Haven East Ramp (Port Angeles) Port Angeles Port of Port Angeles Boat Haven West Ramp (Port Angeles) Port Angeles Port of Port Angeles John Wayne Marina Port Angeles Port of Port Angeles Port Ludlow Marina Port Ludlow Marina Port Ludlow Water Street Boat Launch Port Orchard Parks & Rec Dept Port Orchard Gardiner Boat Launch Port Townsend Port of Port Townsend Lower Port Hadlock Boat Launch Port Townsend Port of Port Townsend Mats Mats Boat Launch Port Townsend Port of Port Townsend

26 Appendix A Project Partners II. Marine access area managers, con’t Facility Name Manager Manager City Point Hudson Jetty Port Townsend Port of Port Townsend Port Townsend Boat Haven Port Townsend Port of Port Townsend Quilcene Marina Port Townsend Port of Port Townsend Port Townsend Salmon Club Inc Port Townsend Salmon Club Inc Port Townsend Islands Marine Center Ron Meng Lopez Island Odlin County Park - Lopez Island San Juan County Parks Dept Friday Harbor San Juan County Park San Juan County Parks Dept Friday Harbor Shaw Island County Park San Juan County Parks Dept Friday Harbor Hunter Bay Boat Ramp San Juan County Public Works Friday Harbor Mackaye Harbor Launching Ramp San Juan County Public Works Friday Harbor Obstruction Pass Launching Ramp San Juan County Public Works Friday Harbor 14th Avenue NW Boat Ramp Seattle Parks & Rec Dept Seattle Atlantic City Park Seattle Parks & Rec Dept Seattle Don Armeni Boat Ramp Seattle Parks & Rec Dept Seattle Eddie Vine Boat Ramp Seattle Parks & Rec Dept Seattle Magnuson Park (Sand Point) Seattle Parks & Rec Dept Seattle Sayres Park Seattle Parks & Rec Dept Seattle Sunnyside Avenue North Boat Ramp Seattle Parks & Rec Dept Seattle Oakland Bay Marina Shelton Port of Shelton Waterfront Park (Silverdale) Silverdale Port of Silverdale La Conner Marina Skagit County Port of Burlington Skyline Marina Skyline Marina Anacortes Kayak Point County Park Snohomish County Parks Dept Everett Meadowdale Beach County Park Snohomish County Parks Dept Everett Picnic Point County Park Snohomish County Parks Dept Everett Snug Harbor Resort and Marina Snug Harbor Resort and Marina Friday Harbor Helen Davis Memorial Park South Bend City of South Bend Bush Point Boat Ramp South Whidbey Island Port of Freeland Clinton Beach Park & Fishing Pier South Whidbey Island Port of Freeland Possession Beach Waterfront Park South Whidbey Island Port of Freeland Arcadia Point Public Boat Ramp Squaxin Island Tribe Shelton Bay View State Park State Parks Burlington Belfair State Park State Parks Belfair Birch Bay State Park State Parks Blaine Camano Island State Park State Parks Camano Island Cape Disappointment State Park State Parks Ilwaco Damon Point State Park State Parks Olympia Deception Pass State Park (Bowman Bay) State Parks Oak Harbor Deception Pass State Park (Cornet Bay) State Parks Oak Harbor Dosewallips State Park State Parks Olympia Fay Bainbridge State Park State Parks Bainbridge Island Fort Casey State Park State Parks Coupeville Fort Ebey State Park State Parks Burlington

27 Appendix A Project Partners II. Marine access area managers, con’t Facility Name Manager Manager City Fort Flagler State Park State Parks Nordland Fort Ward State Park State Parks Bainbridge Island Grayland Beach State Park State Parks Olympia Griffiths-Priday State Parks Olympia Joseph Whidbey State Park State Parks Burlington Larrabee State Park State Parks Burlington Mystery Bay State Park State Parks Burlington Ocean City State Park State Parks Olympia Old Fort Townsend State Park State Parks Burlington Pacific Beach State Park State Parks Olympia Penrose Point State Park State Parks Lakebay Potlatch State Park State Parks Olympia Sequim Bay State Park State Parks Burlington South Whidbey State Park State Parks Burlington Spencer Spit State Park State Parks Burlington Tolmie State Park State Parks Olympia Triton Cove State Parks Olympia Twanoh State Park State Parks Union Twin Harbors State Park State Parks Olympia Westport Light State Park State Parks Olympia Clallam Bay State Park State Parks & Clallam County Burlington Steilacoom Boat Launch Steilacoom Parks & Comm Svcs Steilacoom Point Defiance Waterfront Tacoma Metro Parks Tacoma Hood Canal Saltwater Park Tacoma Public Utilities Tacoma Boston Harbor Boat Ramp Thurston County Parks & Rec Olympia Burfoot County Park Thurston County Parks & Rec Olympia Frye Cove County Park Thurston County Parks & Rec Olympia Tracyton Boat Ramp Tracyton Port of Tracyton Willapa National Wildlife Refuge US Fish & Wildlife Service Ilwaco Jensen Point Park Vashon Park District Vashon Island Elochoman Slough Marina Wahkiakum County #1 Port of Cathlamet Skamokawa Vista Park Wahkiakum County #2 Port of Skamokawa West Beach Resort West Beach Resort Eastsound Weyerhaeuser Boat Launch Weyerhaeuser Co. Cosmopolis Lighthouse Marine Park (Point Roberts) Whatcom County Parks & Rec Bellingham Lummi Island Ferry Whatcom County Parks & Rec Bellingham Semiahmoo Park Whatcom County Parks & Rec Bellingham Tokeland Boat Launch Willapa Harbor Port of Raymond

28 Appendix B Washington Saltwater Angler Survey (Outlined on following pages; administered online)

29 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

1. Introduction

If you fish recreationally in Washington State marine water, your help is needed!

This questionnaire was developed by the Wild Fish Conservancy in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its purpose is to collect the opinions and experiences of Washington’s saltwater anglers—the primary source of valuable information about recreational fishing activity in the state’s marine waters.

The information you volunteer here will improve our understanding of how to sustain recreational fishing opportunities for Washington’s marine anglers.

This is an anonymous survey; no information will be collected other than your responses to the questions that follow.

Thanks for your participation.

------Survey Instructions: There are 80 questions in this survey. Please answer only those questions that apply to your own fishing experience. At the end of the survey, you will have an opportunity to provide additional comment on any question.

Page 1 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

2. First Page

1. In what year did you begin fishing in Washington State marine water? (For this survey, marine water includes off-shore and near-shore saltwater areas, estuaries, and the lower reaches of coastal rivers.)

2. When is the last time you fished in Washington State marine water?

3. What is your age in years?

4. What is your gender?

nmlkj Male nmlkj Female

5. What is the ZIP Code of your primary residence? (5 digits)

3. Second Page

The questions that follow ask about your experiences fishing for four different species of fishes in Washington marine water. A similar set of questions will be asked for each of the four fish species.

Page 2 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

4. Fish Species 1

The fish pictured below (Fish 1) was caught in marine water in Washington State and displays its typical saltwater appearance. Questions 6 - 23 below apply to this fish.

Fish 1

6. Please identify the species of fish shown above in the photo labeled Fish 1. If you're not sure about this species, leave the response area blank and skip to the next question below.

7. Have you ever caught this fish in Washington marine water? (For this survey, marine water includes off-shore and near-shore saltwater areas, estuaries, and the lower reaches of coastal rivers.)

nmlkj Yes nmlkj No

Page 3 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

5. Fish Species 1, Continued

Fish 1

8. Indicate where you've caught this species, listing up to three marine locations in Washington State (including off-shore and near-shore saltwater areas, estuaries, and the lower reaches of coastal rivers). If you’ve caught this species in more than three such locations in Washington, list the three at which you’ve caught the most fish. Please be as specific as you can in naming the locations, at minimum indicating the waterbody and the nearest town or city.

Marine Location 1 Marine Location 2 Marine Location 3

9. For each marine location listed above, indicate the year in which you caught the most fish of this species.

Year Location 1

Location 2 Location 3

10. For each marine location listed above, indicate the time at which you’ve most commonly caught this species.

Month Time of Day Location 1 Location 2 Location 3

Page 4 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

11. In what type(s) of marine habitat in Washington have you caught this species? Check all that apply.

gfedc Lower reaches of coastal river gfedc Estuary gfedc Saltwater within 100 yards of shore gfedc Saltwater more than 100 yards from shore gfedc Other (please specify)

12. What type(s) of gear have you used to catch this species in Washington marine water? Check all that apply.

gfedc Barbless hook gfedc Barbed hook gfedc Single hook gfedc Double or treble hook gfedc Bait gfedc Lure gfedc Fly gfedc Other (please specify)

13. What best describes your fishing strategy for this species (Fish 1) in Washington marine water?

nmlkj I intentionally fish for this species in Washington marine water. nmlkj I do not intentionally fish for this species; when I catch it, I am trying to fish for something else.

Page 5 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

6. Fish Species 1, Continued

Fish 1

14. When you've unintentionally caught this species in Washington marine water, what other species were you trying to catch instead?

Species 1 Species 2 Species 3

Page 6 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

7. Fish Species 1, Continued

Fish 1

15. In a single day of fishing in Washington marine water, how many fish of this species do you typically catch? (i.e. what is your average daily catch?)

16. During the past several years (2004 – present), how many fish of this species do you estimate you’ve caught in Washington marine water?

17. What percentage of these fish caught during the past several years (2004 – present) did you release?

18. What was the total length (from the head to the tip of the tail) of the largest fish of this species you've caught in Washington marine water during the past several years (2004 – present)?

nmlkj Less than 14 inches nmlkj 14 inches to less than 18 inches nmlkj 18 inches or longer

19. Was this longest length estimated or actually measured?

nmlkj Estimated nmlkj Measured

Page 7 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

20. What was the total length (from the head to the tip of the tail) of the smallest fish of this species you've caught in Washington marine water during the past several years (2004 – present)?

nmlkj Less than 14 inches nmlkj 14 inches to less than 18 inches nmlkj 18 inches or longer

21. Was this shortest length estimated or actually measured?

nmlkj Estimated nmlkj Measured

8. Fish Species 1, Continued

Fish 1

22. Please describe your understanding of current state fishing regulations for this species (Fish 1 pictured above) in Washington salt water (i.e. not including the lower reaches of coastal rivers).

Intentionally fishing for this species in salt water in Washington State is:

nmlkj Always allowed nmlkj Allowed in some saltwater areas at certain times of year nmlkj Not allowed nmlkj I’m not sure

23. Please give your opinion about whether the current state fishing regulations for this species in salt water in Washington State are sufficiently clear to help anglers comply with the rules.

Page 8 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

The state regulations clearly communicate the restrictions on fishing for this species in Washington salt water:

nmlkj I agree nmlkj I disagree nmlkj I'm not sure

9. Fish Species 2

This fish pictured below (Fish 2) was caught in marine water in Washington State and displays its typical saltwater appearance. Questions 24 - 41 below apply to this fish.

Fish 2

24. Please identify the species of fish shown above in the photo labeled Fish 2. If you're not sure about this species, leave the response area blank and skip to the next question below.

25. Have you ever caught this fish in Washington marine water? (For this survey, marine water includes off-shore and near-shore saltwater areas, estuaries, and the lower reaches of coastal rivers.)

nmlkj Yes nmlkj No

Page 9 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

10. Fish Species 2, Continued

Fish 2

26. Indicate where you've caught this species, listing up to three marine locations in Washington State (including off-shore and near-shore saltwater areas, estuaries, and the lower reaches of coastal rivers). If you’ve caught this species in more than three such locations in Washington, list the three at which you’ve caught the most fish. Please be as specific as you can in naming the locations, at minimum indicating the waterbody and the nearest town or city.

Marine Location 1 Marine Location 2 Marine Location 3

27. For each marine location listed above, indicate the year in which you caught the most fish of this species.

Year Location 1

Location 2 Location 3

28. For each marine location listed above, indicate the time at which you’ve most commonly caught this species.

Month Time of Day Location 1 Location 2 Location 3

Page 10 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

29. In what type(s) of marine habitat in Washington have you caught this species? Check all that apply.

gfedc Lower reaches of coastal river gfedc Estuary gfedc Saltwater within 100 yards of shore gfedc Saltwater more than 100 yards from shore gfedc Other (please specify)

30. What type(s) of gear have you used to catch this species in Washington marine water? Check all that apply.

gfedc Barbless hook gfedc Barbed hook gfedc Single hook gfedc Double or treble hook gfedc Bait gfedc Lure gfedc Fly gfedc Other (please specify)

31. What best describes your fishing strategy for this species (Fish 2) in Washington marine water?

nmlkj I intentionally fish for this species in Washington marine water. nmlkj I do not intentionally fish for this species; when I catch it, I am trying to fish for something else.

Page 11 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

11. Fish Species 2, Continued

Fish 2

32. When you've unintentionally caught this species in Washington marine water, what other species were you trying to catch instead?

Species 1 Species 2 Species 3

Page 12 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

12. Fish Species 2, Continued

Fish 2

33. In a single day of fishing in Washington marine water, how many fish of this species do you typically catch? (i.e. what is your average daily catch?)

34. During the past several years (2004 – present), how many fish of this species do you estimate you’ve caught in Washington marine water?

35. What percentage of these fish caught during the past several years (2004 – present) did you release?

36. What was the total length (from the head to the tip of the tail) of the largest fish of this species you've caught in Washington marine water during the past several years (2004 – present)?

nmlkj Less than 20 inches nmlkj 20 inches to less than 24 inches nmlkj 24 inches or longer

37. Was this longest length estimated or actually measured?

nmlkj Estimated nmlkj Measured

Page 13 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

38. What was the total length (from the head to the tip of the tail) of the smallest fish of this species you've caught in Washington marine water during the past several years (2004 – present)?

nmlkj Less than 20 inches nmlkj 20 inches to less than 24 inches nmlkj 24 inches or longer

39. Was this shortest length estimated or actually measured?

nmlkj Estimated nmlkj Measured

13. Fish Species 2, Continued

Fish 2

40. Please describe your understanding of current state fishing regulations for this species (Fish 2 pictured above) in Washington salt water (i.e. not including the lower reaches of coastal rivers).

Intentionally fishing for this species in salt water in Washington State is:

nmlkj Always allowed nmlkj Allowed in some saltwater areas at certain times of year nmlkj Not allowed nmlkj I’m not sure

41. Please give your opinion about whether the current state fishing regulations for this species in salt water in Washington State are sufficiently clear to help anglers comply with the rules.

Page 14 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

The state regulations clearly communicate the restrictions on fishing for this species in Washington salt water:

nmlkj I agree nmlkj I disagree nmlkj I'm not sure

14. Fish Species 3

The fish pictured below (Fish 3) was caught in marine water in Washington State and displays its typical saltwater appearance. Questions 42 - 59 below apply to this fish.

Fish 3

Page 15 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

42. Please identify the species of fish shown above in the photos labeled Fish 3. If you're not sure about this species, leave the response area blank and skip to the next question below.

NOTE: A number of the following questions about Fish 3 pertain to wild fish of this species. Wild fish have an intact adipose fin, the small fin in front of the tail (pictured below).

43. Have you ever caught wild fish of this species (Fish 3 pictured at the top of the page) in Washington marine water? (For this survey, marine water includes off-shore and near-shore saltwater areas, estuaries, and the lower reaches of coastal rivers.)

nmlkj Yes nmlkj No nmlkj I've caught this species (Fish 3) in Washington marine water, but I’m not sure if the fish I caught were wild because I didn't check for an intact adipose fin.

Page 16 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

15. Fish Species 3, Continued

Fish 3

44. Indicate where you've caught wild fish of this species, listing up to three marine locations in Washington State (including off-shore and near-shore saltwater areas, estuaries, and the lower reaches of coastal rivers). If you’ve caught wild fish of this species in more than three such locations in Washington, list the three at which you’ve caught the most fish. Please be as specific as you can in naming the locations, at minimum indicating the waterbody and the nearest town or city.

Marine Location 1 Marine Location 2

Marine Location 3

Page 17 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

45. For each marine location listed above, indicate the year in which you caught the most wild fish of this species.

Year Location 1 Location 2 Location 3

46. For each marine location listed above, indicate the time at which you’ve most commonly caught wild fish of this species.

Month Time of Day Location 1 Location 2 Location 3

16. Fish Species 3, Continued

Fish 3

Page 18 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

47. In a single day of fishing in Washington marine water, how many wild fish of this species do you typically catch? (i.e. what is your average daily catch?)

48. During the past several years (2004 – present), how many wild fish of this species do you estimate you’ve caught in Washington marine water?

49. What percentage of these wild fish caught during the past several years (2004 – present) did you release?

50. What was the total length (from the head to the tip of the tail) of the largest wild fish of this species you've caught in Washington marine water during the past several years (2004 – present)?

nmlkj Less than 12 inches nmlkj 12 inches to less than 24 inches nmlkj 24 inches or longer

51. Was this longest length estimated or actually measured?

nmlkj Estimated nmlkj Measured

52. What was the total length (from the head to the tip of the tail) of the smallest wild fish of this species you've caught in Washington marine water during the past several years (2004 – present)?

nmlkj Less than 12 inches nmlkj 12 inches to less than 24 inches nmlkj 24 inches or longer

Page 19 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

53. Was this shortest length estimated or actually measured?

nmlkj Estimated nmlkj Measured

17. Fish Species 3, Continued

Fish 3

54. In what type(s) of marine habitat in Washington have you caught this species? Check all that apply.

gfedc Lower reaches of coastal river

Page 20 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey gfedc Estuary gfedc Saltwater within 100 yards of shore gfedc Saltwater more than 100 yards from shore gfedc Other (please specify)

55. What type(s) of gear have you used to catch this species in Washington marine water? Check all that apply.

gfedc Barbless hook gfedc Barbed hook gfedc Single hook gfedc Double or treble hook gfedc Bait gfedc Lure gfedc Fly gfedc Other (please specify)

56. What best describes your fishing strategy for this species (Fish 3) in Washington marine water?

nmlkj I intentionally fish for this species in Washington marine water. nmlkj I do not intentionally fish for this species; when I catch it, I am trying to fish for something else.

Page 21 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

18. Fish Species 3, Continued

Fish 3

57. When you've unintentionally caught this species in Washington marine water, what other species were you trying to catch instead?

Species 1 Species 2

Species 3

Page 22 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

19. Fish Species 3, Continued

Fish 3

58. Please describe your understanding of current state fishing regulations for this species (Fish 3 pictured above) in Washington salt water (i.e. not including the lower reaches of coastal rivers).

Intentionally fishing for this species in salt water in Washington State is:

nmlkj Always allowed nmlkj Allowed in some saltwater areas at certain times of year nmlkj Not allowed nmlkj I’m not sure

Page 23 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

59. Please give your opinion about whether the current state fishing regulations for this species in salt water in Washington State are sufficiently clear to help anglers comply with the rules.

The state regulations clearly communicate the restrictions on fishing for this species in Washington salt water:

nmlkj I agree nmlkj I disagree nmlkj I'm not sure

20. Fish Species 4

The fish pictured below (Fish 4) was caught in marine water in Washington State and displays its typical saltwater appearance. Questions 60 - 77 below apply to this fish.

Fish 4

Page 24 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

60. Please identify the species of fish shown above in the photos labeled Fish 4. If you're not sure about this species, leave the response area blank and skip to the next question below.

NOTE: A number of the following questions about Fish 4 pertain to wild fish of this species. Wild fish have an intact adipose fin, the small fin in front of the tail (pictured below).

61. Have you ever caught wild fish of this species (Fish 4 pictured at the top of the page) in Washington marine water? (For this survey, marine water includes off-shore and near-shore saltwater areas, estuaries, and the lower reaches of coastal rivers.)

nmlkj Yes nmlkj No nmlkj I've caught this species (Fish 4) in Washington marine water, but I’m not sure if the fish I caught were wild because I didn't check for an intact adipose fin.

Page 25 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

21. Fish Species 4, Continued

Fish 4

62. Indicate where you've caught wild fish of this species, listing up to three marine locations in Washington State (including off-shore and near-shore saltwater areas, estuaries, and the lower reaches of coastal rivers). If you’ve caught wild fish of this species in more than three such locations in Washington, list the three at which you’ve caught the most fish. Please be as specific as you can in naming the locations, at minimum indicating the waterbody and the nearest town or city.

Marine Location 1 Marine Location 2 Marine Location 3

Page 26 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

63. For each marine location listed above, indicate the year in which you caught the most wild fish of this species.

Year Location 1 Location 2

Location 3

64. For each marine location listed above, indicate the time at which you’ve most commonly caught wild fish of this species.

Month Time of Day Location 1 Location 2 Location 3

22. Fish Species 4, Continued

Fish 4

Page 27 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

65. In a single day of fishing in Washington marine water, how many wild fish of this species do you typically catch? (i.e. what is your average daily catch?)

66. During the past several years (2004 – present), how many wild fish of this species do you estimate you’ve caught in Washington marine water?

67. What percentage of these wild fish caught during the past several years (2004 – present) did you release?

68. What was the total length (from the head to the tip of the tail) of the largest wild fish of this species you've caught in Washington marine water during the past several years (2004 – present)?

nmlkj Less than 12 inches nmlkj 12 inches to less than 20 inches nmlkj 20 inches or longer

69. Was this longest length estimated or actually measured?

nmlkj Estimated nmlkj Measured

70. What was the total length (from the head to the tip of the tail) of the smallest wild fish of this species you've caught in Washington marine water during the past several years (2004 – present)?

nmlkj Less than 12 inches nmlkj 12 inches to less than 20 inches nmlkj 20 inches or longer

Page 28 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

71. Was this shortest length estimated or actually measured?

nmlkj Estimated nmlkj Measured

23. Fish Species 4, Continued

Fish 4

72. In what type(s) of marine habitat in Washington have you caught this species? Check all that apply.

gfedc Lower reaches of coastal river gfedc Estuary

Page 29 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey gfedc Saltwater within 100 yards of shore gfedc Saltwater more than 100 yards from shore gfedc Other (please specify)

73. What type(s) of gear have you used to catch this species in Washington marine water? Check all that apply.

gfedc Barbless hook gfedc Barbed hook gfedc Single hook gfedc Double or treble hook gfedc Bait gfedc Lure gfedc Fly gfedc Other (please specify)

74. What best describes your fishing strategy for this species (Fish 4) in Washington marine water?

nmlkj I intentionally fish for this species in Washington marine water. nmlkj I do not intentionally fish for this species; when I catch it, I am trying to fish for something else.

Page 30 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

24. Fish Species 4, Continued

Fish 4

75. When you've unintentionally caught this species in Washington marine water, what other species were you trying to catch instead?

Species 1 Species 2 Species 3

Page 31 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

25. Fish Species 4, Continued

Fish 4

76. Please describe your understanding of current state fishing regulations for this species (Fish 4 pictured above) in Washington salt water (i.e. not including the lower reaches of coastal rivers).

Intentionally fishing for this species in salt water in Washington State is:

nmlkj Always allowed nmlkj Allowed in some saltwater areas at certain times of year nmlkj Not allowed nmlkj I’m not sure

Page 32 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

77. Please give your opinion about whether the current state fishing regulations for this species in salt water in Washington State are sufficiently clear to help anglers comply with the rules.

The state regulations clearly communicate the restrictions on fishing for this species in Washington salt water:

nmlkj I agree nmlkj I disagree nmlkj I'm not sure

26. Last Page

78. If regulations state that fishing for a certain species is "closed" in a Washington marine area, what best describes your fishing strategy for that area?

nmlkj I don't fish for any species in that marine area. nmlkj I don't try to catch that species, but if I do catch it unintentionally, I keep some or all of the ones I catch. nmlkj I don't try to catch that species, but if I do catch it unintentionally, I release all the ones I catch. nmlkj I don't try to catch that species, but if I do catch it unintentionally, I release the first few I catch and then stop fishing in that marine area. nmlkj I do try to catch that species and I keep some or all of the ones I catch. nmlkj I do try to catch that species and I release all the ones I catch. nmlkj Other (please specify)

79. If regulations state that fishing for a certain species is "catch-and-release" in a Washington marine area, what best describes your fishing strategy for that area?

Page 33 Washington Saltwater Angler Survey

80. In the space below, feel free to elaborate on any of your responses in this survey, or to record any other comments.

27. Thank You!

Thank you for your participation!

PLEASE CLICK "DONE" BELOW TO SUBMIT YOUR SURVEY

Page 34