I’ve gone over the map of the proposed area and find that I have several questions and comments that I think are relative.

First off, I believe that adding this proposal at this time is not fair to others who conformed to the time schedule.

It may be appropriate to address this for a future year.

I haven’t fish portions of the proposed area in recent years, but have fished it extensively over 30 years ago both as a sport and commercial hand line jigger.

Much of this area is not heavily fished and does not offer the best rockfish habitat in the region.

Along the shoreline there are areas that hold China Rockfish, Kelp Greenling and some lingcod. Black Rockfish move in and out of the area seasonally.

This would be in the area between Koitlah Point, and out to the Hole in the Wall
There are areas where fishing on the eastside of Tatoosh is productive for Black Rockfish, AKA seabass,

I can see the desirability for Scuba Divers along the shoreline, particularly in sheltered areas on Cape Flattery.

Duncan Rocks is considered one of the best dives in the area according to my daughter and son-in-law who are skilled divers.

There are some tremendous tidal currents in this area that should be considered by both divers and sport fishermen.

Duncan Rock has been one of the most popular landmarks for bottom fishermen offering schools of Black Rockfish, Yellowtail Rockfish frequently caught near the surface.

I would question closing the area around Tatoosh Island and Duncan Rocks to sport fishing as it is sometimes one of the few areas that can be fished dependent on the weather, particularly the back side of Tatoosh

The actual shoreline along the side of Cape Flattery inside the Strait and east of Tatoosh would offer excellent diving opportunities and unless it has changed since I fished there many years ago is not comparable to other locations, particularly on the open ocean side and down the coastline reachable by sport fishing boats.

Establishing a no bottom fishing zone along the Strait from Koitlah Point to just short of Tatoosh might be desirable for the diving community. I personally would not be opposed to establishment of a no bottom fishing zone along the shoreline inside the Strait, however question establishing it out one and one-half miles from the shoreline.

Most of this offshore area sees little bottom fishing pressure to begin with.

Koitlah Point is a known halibut holding area. Closing bottom fishing there would restrict some opportunities, but would likely effect only a small number of sport fishermen.

This proposal needs time for study and input by fishermen who currently fish the area, charter operators that fish this particular area and scientist who have studied the area before any decisions are to be made.

These are just my personal observations, I would urge people who currently fish this area, or scientist that have studies the bottom fish populations to comment.

Respectfully,

Doug Wilson AKA Sebastes