PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Commercial smelt 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: The status of Columbia River smelt stocks is of great concern, as returns have been far lower than expected for several years. The recreational fishery is currently only opened by emergency rule, and the only commercial fisheries authorized are for stock assessment. The current seasons need to be adjusted to reflect these concerns.
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, Fish Program Assistant Director, 600 Capitol Way, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2651. Contact by February 29, 2000, expected proposal filing March 1, 2000.
December 22, 1999
Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator