Action: Marine Area 2.1 (Willapa Bay) and all tributaries to close for salmon fishing until further notice.

Effective dates: 11:59 p.m. Sept. 21 until further notice.

Species affected: All salmon species.

Location: Marine Area 2.1 (Willapa Bay); Bear River from mouth to Lime Quarry Road; Naselle River from mouth to Naselle Hatchery attraction channel; Middle Nemah River from mouth to Middle Nemah A-Line; North Nemah River from HWY 101 to bridge on Nemah Valley Road; South Nemah River, from mouth upstream; Willapa River from mouth to Fork Creek; and South Fork Willapa River from mouth to Pehl Rd. bridge.

Reason for action: Fall chinook are returning to tributaries of Willapa Bay in significantly lower numbers than preseason predictions in all fisheries. Closing the salmon fisheries will increase the number of hatchery fish available to make egg take goals at this time. Managers will continue to assess chinook returns and will re-open the fisheries if warranted.

Information contact: Chad Herring, South Coast Fishery Policy, (360) 249-1299.