PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
FISH AND WILDLIFE
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Aquaculture disease control rules.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 75.08.080, 75.58.010, 75.58.030.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department needs to update its procedures for aquaculture disease control, in response to increased aquaculture in the state and the presence of invasive species potentially carrying pathogens. Rules will increase the level of detection of pathogens and protect wild stocks as well as aquaculture-grown fish and shellfish.
Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: The department will coordinate aquaculture disease control rule promulgation with the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
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 98504-1091, phone (360) 902-2651. Contact by July 3, 2000, expected proposal filing July 5, 2000.
February 28, 2000
Evan Jacoby
Rules Coordinator