State fishery managers have added one more day of recreational halibut fishing in Marine Area 2 at Westport.

The south coast, including Marine Area 1 at Ilwaco will open to all-depth halibut fishing on Friday, Aug. 27. An additional all-depth day could be added in September if there is enough quota, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“Based on what we’re seeing, there’s still enough sport allocation to support this additional opportunity for anglers in these two marine areas,” said Heather Hall, Fish and Wildlife intergovernmental fisheries policy manager.

The additional August day falls between two virtual public meetings, slated for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Aug. 23 and Oct. 18, to discuss season structure and proposed dates for the 2022 sport halibut season.

“As we wrap up this year’s season, these meetings are a good opportunity to hear from the public on how this year’s fishery went and how we might adjust in the upcoming year,” said Hall.

The meetings will help state fishery managers gather stakeholder input prior to Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meetings in September and November when the Council will consider changes to season structure.

At the Aug. 23 meeting, state halibut managers will review preliminary 2021 season data and work with stakeholders to develop a range of preliminary options focused on general concepts, such as ways to extend the season length and maximize fishing opportunity.

At the Oct. 18 meeting, in addition to refining the options developed at the first meeting, Fish and Wildlife staff will collect further public input, review tide calendars for next spring, and select specific season dates that attempt to balance needs across various fishing communities and charter and private fishing interests.

For more information about how to participate in the Aug. 23 and Oct. 18 Zoom webinars, visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/halibut.