Subject of Possible Rule Making: Rules governing the commercial harvest of geoduck and horse clams.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.12.047.

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Accidental damage to geoduck clams from the harvesting process has resulted in the underwater discard of the clams as current rules prohibit the retention of neck parts without the body of the clam. Allowing the retention of these parts will ensure a more accurate accounting of the clams removed from the substrate. This wastage accounting issue also applies to horse clams, which can be taken concurrently with geoduck clams and will provide for a level playing field with tribal fishers, which retain them currently and sell them for bait. This change will provide accountability, reduce wastage and increase the economic return to the state and the tract award holder.

     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 Morris Barker, State Marine Resource Manager, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, (360) 902-2826. Contact by March 3, 2003, expected filing date is March 5, 2003.

December 11, 2002

Evan Jacoby

Rules Coordinator

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