WSR 97-19-094

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Filed September 17, 1997, 11:10 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Commercial bottomfish, baitfish and shellfish 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: Conservation of bottomfish, baitfish and shellfish stocks is needed for future production. Agreements with treaty tribes require rules to implement the provisions of the shellfish accord in United States v. Washington. Additional harvest opportunity is available on selected stocks.

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, Assistant Director, Fish Management Program, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501, (360) 902-2930, by October 31, 1997. Expected Proposal Filing: November 5, 1997.

September 17, 1997

Evan Jacoby