PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Rules on the management of coastal Dungeness crab.
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: Clarifying a framework for interstate management of coastal Dungeness crab in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on the Washington coast; providing updated limitations on barging of crab pots by undesignated vessels; and, removing language describing special management areas (SMAs). These proposals will accomplish the implementation of interstate agreements for Dungeness crab in the EEZ of the coastal states; bring barging limitations in line with practices that have been implemented by emergency rule; and, removing language describing SMAs' that are not used on a consistent basis.
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 18, 2007. Expected proposal filing on or after June 20, 2007.
April 11, 2007
Lori Preuss
Rules Coordinator