PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Crab gear limitations.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 75.08.080.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The coastal crab fishery is overcapitalized, and operates as a "pulse" fishery. This causes instability in the industry and reduces the season length. In order to provide for the economic well-being of the industry, it may be necessary to implement gear reduction rules to limit landings and extend the length of the season, thus providing a continuity of income stream for both fishers and processors.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.
Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Phil Anderson, Interjurisdictional Resources Manager, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2720, fax (360) 902-2182.
Contact by November 2, 1999. Proposal filing expected to be November 3, 1999.
June 21, 1999
Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator