Subject of Possible Rule Making: Commercial shellfish rules.

     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: Commercial crawfish gear does not have an escape panel requirement. Commercial shellfish gear will be reviewed to ensure consistency.

     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 98504-1091, phone (360) 902-2651. Contact by June 16, 2005. Expected proposal filing on or after June 17, 2005.

May 17, 2005

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator