WSR 98-24-130
PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Filed December 2, 1998, 11:34 a.m.]
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Shellfish harvest and reporting rules.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 75.08.080.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Shellfish harvest allocation has been affected by recent federal court rulings. Nontreaty harvest opportunity depends on stock status and negotiated agreements, and uncertainty exists until shortly before seasonal openings. It is necessary to manage some fisheries on an emergency rule basis, particularly as a result of overcapitalization in the fleets. Although legislation is being proposed to reduce this overcapitalization, it will not be effective for one to three years. More sophisticated reporting techniques are needed during the shellfish seasons to insure management data and prevent overharvest.
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 Bruce Crawford, Fish Program Manager, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, (360) 902-2325. Please contact by February 16, 1999. Expected proposal filing February 17, 1999.
December 2, 1998
Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator