Contact Information

Buy Your Fishing License Online:

fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov

For License Information & Vendor Locations:

(360) 902-2464

http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/v... "xtagendzwdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors

Website:

wdfw.wa.gov

WDFW Enforcement

For non-emergency violations/poaching: Call WDFW toll-free 1-877-933-9847 (1-877-WDFW-TIP). See Statewide General Rules for more details.

To report commercial derelict fishing gear: Call toll-free (855) 542-3935

To report fish kills, oil or hazardous material spills, contact Department of Emergency Management: (800) 258-5990

Reporting Violations/Poaching

DIAL 911 to Report a Life Threatening Emergency

For Non-Emergency Violations/Poaching:

• Call WDFW toll-free 1-877-933-9847 (1-877-WDFW-TIP); or
• Use the dedicated WDFW email address (reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov); or
• Text your poaching/violation tip anonymously to the WDFW poaching hotline 847411 (TIP411).
  1. Start a text message on your phone. On the first line of the message type the key word WDFWTIP. Then add a space and type in the violation information.
  2. Then, from the phone’s menu, select Send To: and type in 847411 (TIP411), and press send (Note: The text message is sent to a special computer server that will mask your identity and assign an alias); OR
• Report the crime on-line to WDFW by using the following web address: https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/enforcement/report or
• To report fish and wildlife related crimes and incidents, call WILDCOMM at (360) 902-2936, Option 1, OR 1 (877) 933-9847
• For further information see https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/enforcement/report

For Other Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Questions:

Report lost or stolen recreational shellfish gear online at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/gear-rules/lost-gear

For Aquatic Invasive Species Reports: Call toll-free 1-888-933-9247 (1-888-WDFW-AIS)

Reward Program

Information that contributes substantially to an arrest of another person for violation of Title 77.15 RCW, WAC 220, or WAC 232, including loss of fish, wildlife, or damage to WDFW property, could be eligible for a cash reward. Annually, about $8,000.00 is paid in rewards.

Derelict Fishing Gear

Report lost or abandoned commercial nets or pots

There are no penalties associated with reporting lost commercial fishing gear.

The Derelict Fishing Gear Removal Project is a no-fault program. The goals are simply to remove lost and abandoned commercial gear, to help restore Puget Sound, to improve public safety, and to assist species recovery.

Nets are dangerous! Never attempt to remove them. Divers, stay a safe distance away.

Still Fishing After All These Years

Lost and abandoned commercial fishing gear continues to fish, impacting marine animals and destroying their habitat, entangling divers, and damaging propellers and rudders of boats.

What’s being done?

Federal, state, tribal, and local governments, NGOs, and grassroots organizations and individuals are collaborating to protect and restore Washington marine resources by locating and removing harmful commercial derelict fishing gear.

How can you help?

Record as much information as you can when you find commercial derelict gear, including:

• Date of sighting
• Type of gear
• Approximate water depth
• General location
• Latitude (example 48.34333)
• Longitude (example -123.00333)

You can report this information to:

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

(Toll Free) 855-542-3935

Northwest Straits Marine Conservative Initiative

360-733-1725 or go to

https://nwstraitsfoundation.or...