Public meetings on 2019 bottomfish and halibut recreational seasons, Aug. 6

ODFW will host a series of public meetings the week of Aug. 6 to gather input on the 2019 recreational bottomfish and halibut seasons. People who can’t attend meetings can also listen in via Webcast (details below). One key change for next year is that beginning in 2019, the amount of yelloweye rockfish that all fisheries, including recreational fisheries, are allowed to impact will be going up. This increase in yelloweye rockfish should allow for some additional opportunities. However the quotas for many other bottomfish species will remain at current levels or decrease a bit. ODFW will be seeking input on how to balance the season structure and regulations to stay within these allocations. “It’s important that we hear from a wide range of anglers before making decisions on the 2019 seasons,” said ODFW Recreational Halibut and Bottomfish Project Leader Lynn Mattes. The meetings will be held: Monday, Aug. 6, 6-8 p.m. in Salem at ODFW Headquarters (4034 Industrial Drive SE) in the Commission Room. Tuesday, Aug. 7, 6-8 p.m. in Newport at the Marine Resources Program office, 2040 SE Marine Science Drive.  This meeting will also be webcast, details below. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 6-8 p.m. in Brookings at the Southwestern Oregon Community College, Curry Campus, 96082 Lone Ranch Parkway. Thursday, Aug.9, 6-8 p.m. in North Bend at the Public Library, 1800 Sherman Street. Anglers who wish to provide input but cannot attend a meeting in person or via the webcast can contact Lynn Mattes at 541-867-4741 ext. 237 or lynn.mattes@state.or.us or Christian Heath at 541-867-4741 ext. 266 or Christian.t.heath@state.or.us.  Background information will be posted on the ODFW sport bottomfish and sport halibut webpages by Aug. 3. Webcast details: Join from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/173547725  You can also dial in using your phone. United States: +1 (571) 317-3122 Access Code: 173-547-725  First GoToMeeting? Do a quick system check: https://link.gotomeeting.com/system-check