Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is reviewing the status of the pinto abalone and may seek to amend certain rules concerning its classification as either an endangered, threatened or sensitive species.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is responsible for making recommendations regarding listing status of certain species, and if those species should be classified as sensitive, threatened, or endangered. To properly classify the status of the pinto abalone, the department will review all relevant data pertaining to the population status and factors affecting existence in Washington state. The initial review of the pinto abalone's status indicates that the species has declined significantly and multiple factors negatively affect its continued existence in Washington.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Michael Ulrich, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone 360-902-2737, fax 360-902-2943, email michael.ulrich@dfw.wa.gov, web site https://wdfw.wa.gov/conservation/pinto_abalone/.