PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Recreational fishing rules and seaweed gathering rules.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.12.047 and 79.135.410.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department must amend recreational fishing rules on an annual basis to respond to population changes, fish and wildlife commission assignments, housekeeping needs, and conservation issues. This year the department also needs to amend seaweed gathering rules because seaweed, and specifically eelgrass, is important habitat for fish life. All of the planned amendments are designed to perpetuate fish, shellfish and seaweed resources while maximizing recreational fishing/gathering opportunity.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Washington department of natural resources (DNR) also regulates seaweed. The Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) will work with DNR on that part of this project.
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 Lori Preuss, WDFW Enforcement, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2930, fax (360) 902-2155, e-mail Lori.Preuss@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by September 19, 2011. Expected filing date on or after September 21, 2011.
August 2, 2011
Lori Preuss
Rules Coordinator