Calling all halibut anglers to help set spring season dates for Central Coast, Feb. 2

ODFW wants halibut anglers to weigh in on open dates for the 2016 spring all-depth sport halibut fishery in the Central Coast subarea. And like last year, there are three ways to give feedback—attend a public meeting, participate via webinar, or take an online survey. The Central Oregon Coast Subarea extends from Cape Falcon to Humbug Mt., and includes most Oregon ports except those in the Astoria area, Gold Beach, and Brookings. The seasons for the Columbia River and Southern Oregon Subareas have already been established for this year. “The sport halibut fishery is popular, so we want to ensure we hear from as many anglers as possible,” said Lynn Mattes, halibut project leader for ODFW. Participants in the process will help choose the number of spring all-depth “fixed” and “back-up” dates, and the weeks in which those open dates occur. The public meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at the ODFW Newport office, 2040 SE Marine Science Drive. Participants can join the meeting online at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/620143213, or dial in at 1-(408) 650-3123 Access code: 620-143-213. Finally, anglers can offer input through an online survey, which will be available on the ODFW halibut webpage from Feb. 2-7, 2016. For questions, or to provide additional comments without attending the meeting, anglers should contact Lynn Mattes at 541-867-0300 ext. 237 or by e-mail: lynn.mattes@state.or.us or Maggie Sommer at 541-867-0300 ext. 227 or by e-mail: maggie.sommer@state.or.us.