Derelict Fishing Net
Reporting Form


CRAB OR SHRIMP POTS: Please report all lost, abandoned, or discarded shellfish gear to WDFW at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/gear-rules/lost-gear. The Northwest Straits Foundation is not funded for retrieval of reported lost shellfish gear. WDFW Marine Enforcement officers are regularly patrolling Puget Sound waters and may be able to assist in the retrieval and return of lost pots.

Type of gear: Other gear type:
General location:
Latitude (ex. 4834.333):
Longitude (ex. 12300.333):
Estimated Water depth (ft.):
Date found:
How found:
Reporter name*:
Telephone number*:
Email*:
Comments and description:

*Very useful information in verifying location and other information pertaining to the reported derelict gear. There are no penalties associated with reporting lost fishing gear.

**Commercial fishermen: Report loss of net gear within 24 hours of the loss using this form or by calling the WDFW hotline at 855-542-3935. All fields on this form are required except email. Report the time you lost your gear in the ?comments and description? field.

Please be aware that removal operations are currently underway through the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative in all of Puget Sound. We are removing nets only and cannot guarantee immediate removal unless a net is causing a danger to navigation or to human safety. Location data will be kept on crab pots for future reference but we are currently not funded to remove crab pots.

To report by telephone call 360-733-1725.

Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation
1155 N State Street, Suite 400; Bellingham, WA 98225
www.nwstraitsfoundation.org