PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Import and transfer of shellfish.
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: Current import and transfer of shellfish rules apply primarily to aquaculture. These rules are inadequate to prevent import of potentially infectious shellfish through other means, primarily the pet and bait trades. Permit requirements will be reviewed to expand permit requirements, while allowing shellfish for human consumption to be imported under current rules.
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 Lew Atkins, Fish Program, Assistant Director, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1076, phone (360) 902-2651. Contact by April 1, 2004. Expected proposal filing on or after April 2, 2004.
February 17, 2004
Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator