PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Updates and structural improvements to several recreational and commercial fisheries rules in chapters 220-48, 220-56, 220-52 and 220-16 WAC, and in WAC 220-20-025. These changes will be done to comply with statutory requirements and to streamline and clarify Washington department of fish and wildlife's (WDFW) administrative code. Additionally, this proposal will repeal outdated and inapplicable rules within the chapters listed above.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Changes to these rules are needed because many of the rules are disorganized and contain conflicting, outdated language. WDFW will consider consolidating and splitting up rules. The project will also repeal outdated and inapplicable rules.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: WDFW incorporates many federal fisheries regulations in rule by reference. States can be more restrictive than federal regulations, but not less so. Given these parameters, WDFW will coordinate the regulatory landscape of these rule changes, where applicable.
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 Joanna Eide, Administrative Regulations Analyst, WDFW Enforcement Program, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2403, fax (360) 902-2156, e-mail Joanna.Eide@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by May 18, 2012. Expected proposal filing on or after May 23, 2012.
April 16, 2012
Joanna M. Eide
Administrative Regulations Analyst