PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Changes to commercial bottomfish gear.
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: A precautionary management approach has been adopted and numerous changes are required to meet the conservation needs of depleted groundfish stocks. Among these changes are gear modifications to reduce habitat damage and provide a greater geographic area refuge for depleted stocks/species associated with rocky bottom habitat.
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 Morris Barker, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2826, fax (360) 902-2944. Please provide comments by February 28, 2000. Expected filing date is March 1, 2000.
December 21, 1999
Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator