PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Aquatic nuisance species.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.12.047.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Staff has been working with representatives of the pet store industry and members of the Asian community to identify species in trade that should not be allowed into Washington or that could be allowed under certain conditions. Our list of prohibited and regulated species should be amended to protect our state waters from the importation and potential introduction of new aquatic invasive species. New lakes have been infested with aquatic invasive species and our list of infested waters should be updated to reflect the new introductions.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Washington Department of Ecology has a program for aquatic invasive plant management. They have assisted WDFW staff in developing revisions to our list of infested waters. The Washington Department of Agriculture (WDOA) has authorities that regulate pet stores. WDFW staff have reviewed our proposed list of prohibited species with WDOA staff to ensure a coordinated approach.
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 Scott Smith, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501, phone (360) 902-2724, fax (360) 902-2845, e-mail smithsss@dfw.wa.gov. This rule is being developed in cooperation with members of the ANS committee. A meeting of the committee will be held in October to discuss the proposed rule.
Agency Contact: Lew Atkins, Assistant Director, Fish Program, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, (360) 902-2651. Contact by October 16, 2003. Expected proposal filing October 17, 2003.
August 26, 2003
Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator