WSR 14-11-099

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed May 21, 2014, 9:59 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Amendments to recreational fishing rules for the 2015 season and technical changes to recreational fishing rules.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.15.047.

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 fish population changes, fish and wildlife commission assignments, housekeeping needs, and conservation issues. The department is considering changes to the Columbia Basin, including adopting the stream strategy of all rivers will be closed unless open for eastside and southwest regions. The department may consider additional recreational fishing rule changes if necessary. The rule amendments will focus on perpetuating fish and shellfish resources while maximizing recreational fishing opportunity, ensuring conservation where needed, and making technical changes to clarify, correct, and update language.

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 Joanna Eide, WDFW Rules Coordinator, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2403, fax (360) 902-2155, e-mail Rules.Coordinator@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by July 9, 2014. Expected filing date on or after July 23, 2014.

May 21, 2014

Joanna M. Eide

Rules Coordinator