Subject of Possible Rule Making: Recreational fishing rules, including rules for giant Pacific octopus.

     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: The Washington department of fish and wildlife has been asked by the Washington fish and wildlife commission to consider amending fishing rules to respond to fish and wildlife commission assignments, conservation issues, and recommendations by the newly formed Giant Pacific Octopus Ad Hoc Advisory Group. The department is considering several rule amendments relating to harvest seasons, locations, and species.

     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 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 April 19, 2013. Expected proposal filing on or after May 1, 2013. Updates will be added to the agency's rule-making page at http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development.html. The Giant Pacific Octopus Ad Hoc Advisory Group will meet throughout 2013. The commission's agenda, which will reflect public meeting dates and locations, can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/minutes.html.

March 5, 2013

Lori Preuss

Rules Coordinator