Subject of Possible Rule Making: Changes to the Washington department of fish and wildlife's (WDFW) recreational sportfishing rules based on input from the fish and wildlife commission, agency staff, the public, and/or North of Falcon meetings.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.020, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rules based on fish and wildlife commission suggestions and input from agency staff and the public ensure that the agency adheres to its mission of preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. Rules based on North of Falcon meetings change from year to year to reflect resource availability and achieve conservation goals.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: NOAA Fisheries and the National Marine Fisheries Service. These agencies, as well as WDFW, the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, and the Pacific Salmon Commission, all provide input and/or take part in the North of Falcon meetings and recommendations.

     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 John Long, WDFW Fish Program, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2733, fax (360) 902-2158, e-mail John.Long@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by July 3, 2012. Expected proposal filing on or after July 18, 2012.

May 21, 2012

Lori Preuss

Rules Coordinator

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