PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Commercial fishing rules for herring and groundfish in Puget Sound.
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: Populations of many species of groundfish and of herring are declining in Puget Sound. Presently populations are at very low levels. Change in fishing regulations are needed to conserve these species.
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 Lew Atkins, Assistant Director, Fish Program, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, (360) 902-2651. Contact by October 19, 1999. Expected proposal filing October 20, 1999.
September 1, 1999
Denise R. Box
for Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator