PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Commercial bottom fish fishing in Puget Sound.
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 department has proposed to eliminate the directed octopus fishery using shellfish pot gear. Current rules provide that octopus can be taken incidental to any lawful bottom fish fishery. Although there is bottom fish pot fishery available in Puget Sound, no landings have been made in the last three years. This potential fishery could, however, be used as an excuse to continue a directed octopus fishery. Repeal of this fishery eliminates this loophole.
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 Lew Atkins, Fish Program Assistant Director, 600 Capitol Way, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2651. Contact by January 2, 2001, expected proposal filing January 3, 2001.
October 17, 2000
Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator