Subject of Possible Rule Making: Changes to commercial and recreational crab rules in Puget Sound and changes to commercial and recreational fishing rules for Puget Sound marine fish.

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: Recreational and commercial crab fisheries are still evolving as a result of implementing treaty fishing rights for shellfish and changes may be required to help provide for allocation and orderly fishery needs. Several Puget Sound marine fish are being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Several regulatory actions may be required to manage marine fish stocks for purposes of conservation under a rebuilding plan.

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, Marine Resource Program Manager, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2826, or fax (360) 902-2944. Contact by January 3, 2000.

November 4, 1999

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator

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