Subject of Possible Rule Making: Recreational fishing rules.

     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: Each year the department sets recreational fishing seasons, catch limits, gear restrictions, and closed areas based on conservation needs, harvestable potential, and in consideration of reduction of gear conflicts. This year is a major rule cycle, in which both public and governmental interests are asked to comment and provide suggestions. These rules will provide recreational fishing opportunity and provide resource protection.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Harvest rules are coordinated with the United States Fish and Wildlife, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Washington State Department of Health.

     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 North, Olympia, WA 98504-1091, phone (360) 902-2651. Contact by October 23, 2001, expected rule filing October 24, 2001.

September 4, 2001

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator

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