LNM13-FADFEC
Received 04 Nov 2026, 00:00 UTC
Warning text
HALE PASSAGE - BELLINGHAM BAY
General / Miscellaneous
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will be conducting sea duck captures in Bellingham Bay from November 2 through November 10, 2026. Captures are expected to occur near Portage Island and near the Nooksack River delta. Four vessels will be used during the capture operations: one 28-foot aluminum enclosed center console (R/V Puffin), one 16-foot Boston Whaler, and two 13-foot rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs). All vessels will be equipped with required safety equipment, including navigation lights, signaling and communication devices. Capture vessels will be communicating on VHF channel 72; VHF channel 16 will also be monitored. Daily operations will begin at approximately 0400 hours, with vessels departing from Squalicum Harbor Marina in Bellingham. Capture activities are expected to conclude between midday and early afternoon, at which time all vessels will return to Squalicum Harbor. Sea ducks will be captured using 36-meter-long floating mist nets and decoys. This equipment will be deployed before dawn and removed at the conclusion of each day’s operations. Flashing strobe lights will be attached to the nets during predawn deployment to improve their visibility. Nets will be continuously monitored by capture vessels. Matthew Hamer will be the primary (on water) point of contact and may be reached at 360-522-6361. Matthew Wilson will be land-based and may be contacted in case of emergency at 509-654-2909.
USCG Northwest District Local Notice to Mariners 44/2026