WSR 19-03-172
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Filed January 23, 2019, 11:26 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering amending commercial fishing rules to help reduce the dumping of filleted fish carcasses and offal in Washington ports.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Currently, the dumping of filleted fish carcasses and offal in Washington ports has attracted large numbers of sea lions which is affecting port operations and public safety. To reduce the dumping of this material and mitigate the descent of sea lions into Washington ports, the department seeks to amend rules allowing ports to contract with licensed fish dealers to receive the transfer of recreationally-caught filleted fish carcasses for commercial purposes.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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 Scott Bird, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia, WA 98501-3200, phone 360-902-2403, fax 360-902-2155, email Rules.Coordinator@dfw.wa.gov.
January 23, 2019
Scott Bird
Rules Coordinator