Improved oxygen levels in Hood Canal have led state officials to reopen commercial and recreational fishing for smelt, herring and anchovies.

The opening took effect on Wednesday.


Hood Canal is Catch Reporting Area 12 for recreational fisheries and Marine Fish/Shellfish Areas 27A, B and C for commercial fisheries.


Fishing for squid, octopus, bottomfish, herring and smelt in Hood Canal was closed by emergency rule in mid-September. These closures took place to protect these species during a period of low dissolved oxygen in Hood Canal.


Recent measurements of dissolved oxygen made by the state Department of Ecology indicate that dissolved oxygen levels from the surface down to about 50 feet in depth are now adequate for aquatic life.


However, dissolved oxygen levels at depths greater than about 50 feet remain low and are detrimental to fish. Since the fisheries for smelt and herring occur in shallow water, these fisheries could be reopened without risk to the resource.


Fishing for bottomfish, squid and octopus remain closed as these species are still subject to stress by low levels of dissolved oxygen.