WSR 98-22-001

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Filed October 21, 1998, 3:19 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Recreational fishing rules.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 75.08.080, 77.12.040.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department is mandated to provide recreational fishing opportunity. Each year adjustments are needed based on stock status. The amendments and new rules will allow fishing opportunity.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The Pacific Fisheries Management Council makes recommendations through the North of Falcon panel, which the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife participates in.

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, Fish Management Assistant Director, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, (360) 902-2325.

October 21, 1998

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator