WSR 15-22-097

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed November 3, 2015, 3:23 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Coastal mackerel purse seine fishery.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The Washington department of fish and wildlife is considering rule amendments relating to the commercial harvest of mackerel with purse seine gear.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The National Marine Fisheries Service regulates certain commercial fisheries in federal waters. Rule coordination is accomplished through the Pacific Fishery Management Council processes.

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 Joanna Eide, WDFW Rules Coordinator, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501, phone (360) 902-2403, fax (360) 902-2155, e-mail Rules.Coordinator@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by December 11, 2015. Expected proposal filing on or after December 18, 2015.

Updates will be added to the agency's rule-making page at http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development.html.

November 3, 2015

Joanna M. Eide

Rules Coordinator