Much of the Washington coast reopens for recreational fishing on Tuesday after two months of coronavirus closures.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says Marine Areas 1-3 will open for bottomfish, shellfish, mussels, clams, oysters starting May 26. This stretch includes waters from the mouth of the Columbia River to Cape Alava.
Crabbing on the Columbia is also set to resume.
Some restrictions remain though: halibut and razor clam harvest will remain closed in those areas, and Marine Area 4 (Neah Bay) is still closed to all recreational fishing and shellfish harvesting. More details are available here.
Coastal razor clam digs also remain closed. WDFW says this is because there are concerns that the digs draw too many people to small coastal communities and beaches.
WDFW previously opened all freshwater fisheries and many on Puget Sound on May 5. Some spot shrimp fishing is scheduled to open May 28.
WDFW asks anglers to check ahead of time if their destination is open and avoid closed facilities. The department also warns of additional closures that could come if boats are launched from closed sites.
People still need to follow state guidelines by continuing to recreate in their local communities, traveling only with family or other members of their immediate household, and practicing physical distancing by keeping at least six feet apart.