Subject of Possible Rule Making: Updates, technical changes, and structural improvements to commercial fishing rules, reporting rules, and other WACs in conjunction with the WAC overhaul project. The agency will clarify language where needed, in tandem with other amendments to WACs within this rule making.

     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Might Accomplish: Changes to these rules are needed because many of the rules are disorganized and contain conflicting, outdated, or unclear language. Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) will consider consolidating and splitting up rules. The project will also repeal any outdated, unnecessary, or inapplicable rules.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service also regulates fish and wildlife. State regulations may be more restrictive than federal regulations, but not less so. WDFW will coordinate the regulatory landscape of these rule changes, where and if applicable. As these changes are largely technical, it is unlikely that coordination will be necessary.

     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 November 1, 2012. Expected proposal filing on or after November 7, 2012.

September 19, 2012

Joanna M. Eide

Administrative Regulations Analyst