WSR 07-18-077

PROPOSED RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Filed September 4, 2007, 2:02 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 07-07-050, 07-08-062, and 07-09-053.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 220-44-020 through 220-44-100, 220-69-230, and 220-69-250, coastal commercial bottomfish rules, and requirements for purchasers and receivers of bottomfish.

     Hearing Location(s): Natural Resources Building, Room 172, 1111 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504, on October 12-13, 2007, at 8 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: On or after November 2-3, 2007.

     Submit Written Comments to: Rules Coordinator, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, e-mail preuslmp@dfw.wa.gov, fax (360) 902-2155, by October 11, 2007.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Susan Yeager, TTY (360) 902-2207 or (360) 902-2267.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed changes will enable Washington's rules to match federal regulations. The changes also will facilitate marketplace tracking and quota accounting.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: Washington's rules for the coastal commercial bottomfish industry do not meet current federal regulatory requirements. One of these requirements is to record the federal fishery permit number on fish tickets if sablefish are landed under the authority of a federal sablefish-endorsed limited-entry permit. Changes to these rules will allow Washington to comply.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047.

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 77.12.047.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Washington department of fish and wildlife, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Mike Cenci, 1111 Washington Street, Olympia, (360) 642-5350; Implementation: Lew Atkins, 1111 Washington Street, Olympia, (360) 902-2651; and Enforcement: Bruce Bjork, 1111 Washington Street, Olympia, (360) 902-2373.

     A small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

Small Business Economic Impact Statement

     1. Description of the Reporting, Record-keeping, and Other Compliance Requirements of the Proposed Rule: With one exception, proposed rule changes were meant only to provide clarity to existing regulations. Also, many state groundfish and highly migratory species regulations mirror federal regulations and incorporate the federal rules by reference in the Washington Administrative Code. The proper Code of Federal Regulations and incorporation language was added as reference for each area of regulatory concern: (a) Catch limits; (b) areas; and (c) gear.

     The changes also propose a new requirement for fishermen to maintain a copy of submitted trawl logbooks.

     2. Kinds of Professional Services That a Small Business is Likely to Need in Order to Comply With Such Requirements: None; commercial fishermen typically maintain these records anyway. They will now have to submit them for inspection, to demonstrate catch compliance and records-submittal compliance.

     3. Costs of Compliance for Businesses, Including Costs of Equipment, Supplies, Labor, and Increased Administrative Costs: None anticipated.

     4. Will Compliance with the Rule Cause Businesses to Lose Sales or Revenue? No.

     5. Cost of Compliance for the 10% of Businesses That are the Largest Businesses Required to Comply with the Proposed Rules Using One or More of the Following as a Basis for Comparing Costs:

     A. Cost per employee;

     B. Cost per hour of labor; or

     C. Cost per one hundred dollars of sales.

     There are no anticipated costs of compliance.

     6. Steps Taken by the Agency to Reduce the Costs of the Rule on Small Businesses, or Reasonable Justification for Not Doing So: Enforcement personnel have been making field contacts with purchasers and receivers to provide direction and to determine where the confusion lies in the rules, which is hindering compliance. No costs are anticipated from these clarifying proposals.

     7. A Description of How the Agency Will Involve Small Businesses in the Development of the Rule: The department will hold a public hearing on the proposed rules at the fish and wildlife commission meeting in October. This will allow small businesses and the public the opportunity to provide additional comments on the rule change proposals.

     8. A List of Industries That Will Be Required to Comply with the Rules: All original purchasers and receivers of fish and shellfish and commercial fishermen who catch groundfish.

     A copy of the statement may be obtained by contacting Lori Preuss, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2930, fax (360) 902-2155, e-mail preuslmp@dfw.wa.gov.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. These proposals do not affect hydraulics.

September 4, 2007

Loreva M. Preuss

Rules Coordinator

OTS-9816.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 01-36, filed 3/13/01, effective 4/13/01)

WAC 220-44-020   Coastal baitfish gear.   It is unlawful to fish for or possess smelt, anchovies, candlefish, herring, or pilchard taken for commercial purposes from Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 58B, ((59A)) 59A-1, 59A-2, 59B, 60A-1, or ((60A)) 60A-2, except as provided for in this section.

     (1)(a) It is unlawful to fish for or possess smelt taken for commercial purposes except by hand net gear not exceeding 72 inches maximum frame width. It is unlawful to take smelt for commercial purposes during weekly closed periods from 8:00 a.m. Friday to 8:00 a.m. Sunday.

     (b) Licensing: A smelt dip bag net fishery license is the license required to operate the gear provided for in this section.

     (c) Incidental catch: It is lawful to retain only anchovies and candlefish taken incidental to a lawful smelt fishery.

     (2)(a) It is unlawful to fish for or possess candlefish or anchovies taken for commercial purposes with any gear except purse seine or lampara not exceeding 1,400 feet in length nor having mesh size less than 1/2 inch, or dip bag net not exceeding 72 inches maximum frame width.

     (b) Licensing:

     (i) A baitfish lampara fishery license is the license required to operate the lampara gear provided for in this section.

     (ii) A baitfish purse seine fishery license is the license required to operate the purse seine gear provided for in this section.

     (iii) A smelt dip bag net fishery license is the license required to operate the hand dip net gear provided for in this section.

     (c) Incidental catch: It is lawful to retain only shad and pilchard taken incidental to a lawful anchovy or candlefish fishery. Pilchard may not exceed twenty-five percent of the weight of the landing. Any sturgeon must be released unharmed.

     (3)(a) It is unlawful to fish for or possess herring or pilchard taken for commercial purposes except as authorized by permit issued by the director, except pilchard taken incidental to candlefish and anchovy.

     (b) Licensing:

     (i) An emerging commercial fishery license is the license required for a permittee to fish for or retain pilchard.

     (ii) Herring dip bag net, herring drag seine, herring gill net, herring lampara, or herring purse seine are the licenses required for a permittee to fish for or to retain herring.

     (4)(a) Violation of licensing requirements under this section is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.500.

     (b) Violation of gear requirements under this section is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.520.

     (c) Violation of catch requirements under this section is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.550.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 01-07-016 (Order 01-36), § 220-44-020, filed 3/13/01, effective 4/13/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 94-12-009 (Order 94-23), § 220-44-020, filed 5/19/94, effective 6/19/94; 84-08-014 (Order 84-24), § 220-44-020, filed 3/27/84; 79-06-085 (Order 79-38), § 220-44-020, filed 6/4/79; 78-10-046 (Order 78-83), § 220-44-020, filed 9/20/78; 78-05-067 and 78-06-002 (Order 78-20), § 220-44-020, filed 4/27/78 and 5/4/78; 78-04-039 (Order 78-11), § 220-44-020, filed 3/20/78; Order 77-14, § 220-44-020, filed 4/15/77; Order 1221, § 220-44-020, filed 7/1/75; Order 813, § 220-44-020, filed 5/5/69; Order 726, § 4 (part), filed 4/24/67; subsection 1 from Order 547, filed 7/5/62; Orders 384 and 256, filed 3/1/60; subsection 2 from Orders 448 and 256, filed 3/1/60; subsection 3 from Orders 397 and 256, filed 3/1/60; subsections 4 and 5 from Orders 355 and 256, filed 3/1/60; subsection 6 from Orders 406 and 256, filed 3/1/60.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 00-266, filed 12/29/00, effective 1/29/01)

WAC 220-44-030   Coastal bottomfish gear.   (1)(a) It is unlawful to take, fish for, possess, transport through the waters of the state, or land in any Washington state ports, bottomfish taken for commercial purposes in ((Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 59A, 59B, 60A-1 and 60A-2 and that portion of Area 58 within the United States 200-mile Fishery Conservation Zone with any gear except as provided in this section:

     (1))) violation of gear requirements published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 50, Part 660, Subpart G. This subpart provides requirements for commercial groundfish fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Additional regulations may be listed in the Federal Register, and these override the CFR if there are any inconsistencies. Prior to using coastal bottomfish gear, a person must consult both the Federal Register and the CFR. This chapter, chapter 220-44 WAC, adopts the federal regulations imposed by the CFR and the Federal Register, and it incorporates those regulations by reference. Where rules refer to the fishery management area, that area is extended to include Washington state waters coterminous with the Exclusive Economic Zone. A copy of the federal rules may be obtained by contacting Lori Preuss at 360-902-2930, or going on the internet at www.pcouncil.org. State regulations may apply that are more restrictive than federal regulations.

     (b) Violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.520.

     (2) Otter trawl and beam trawl.

     (a) It is unlawful to use, operate, or carry aboard any fishing vessel otter trawl gear having meshes measuring less than 3 inches anywhere in the net.

     (b) It is unlawful to use or operate any bottom roller or bobbin trawl having meshes less than 4.5 inches anywhere in the net. Rollers, bobbins, or discs used in roller or bobbin trawls must be a minimum of 14 inches in diameter.

     (c) It is unlawful to use or operate a pelagic trawl with meshes less than 3.0 inches anywhere in the net. Footropes of pelagic trawls must be less than 1.75 inches in diameter, including twine necessary for seizing material. ((Sweeplines)) Sweep lines, including the bottom leg of the bridle, must be bare.

     (d) ((For at least 20 feet immediately behind the footrope or headrope, bare rope or mesh of 16-inch minimum mesh size must)) It is unlawful to use or operate a pelagic trawl net unless bare rope or webbing with an individual mesh size no smaller than 16 inches completely encircles the net immediately behind the footrope or headrope for at least 20 feet. A band of mesh may encircle the net under transfer cables, or lifting or splitting straps (chokers), but the band must be: Over riblines and restraining straps; of the same mesh size, and coincide knot-to-knot with the net to which it is attached; and no wider than 16 meshes.

     (e) It is unlawful to use or operate a trawl net that has chafing gear ((may encircle no)) encircling more than 50 percent of the circumference of any bottom, roller, bobbin, or pelagic trawl, except as specified in (d) of this subsection. No section of chafing gear may be longer than 50 meshes of the body of the net to which it is attached. Except at the corners, the terminal end of each section of chafing gear must not be connected to the net. Chafing gear must be attached outside any ((riblines)) rib lines and restraining straps. There is no limit on the number of sections of chafing gear on a net.

     (f) It is unlawful to use double-wall ((codends)) cod ends in any trawl gear.

     (g) Licensing: ((A food fish trawl -- non-Puget Sound fishery license is the license required to operate the gear provided for in this section.)) A food fish trawl, non-Puget Sound fishery license is the license required to operate the gear provided for in this section. Additionally, a federal limited entry permit is required in Areas ((59A)) 59A-1, 59A-2, 59B, 60A-1, and 60A-2, and that portion of Area ((58)) 58B within the Exclusive Economic Zone.

     (h) ((Area restriction: It is unlawful to use otter trawl or beam trawl gear in state territorial waters (0-3 miles) within Areas 58A, 58B, 59A, 59B, 60A-1 or 60A-2.

     (2))) Violation of licensing requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.500.

     (i) Violation of gear requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.520.

     (3) Set lines.

     (a) It is unlawful for the operator of set lines to leave such gear unattended, unless ((marked as provided in WAC 220-20-010(5). Set lines must be attended at least once every seven days. Set lines must be marked at the surface at each terminal end with a pole, flag, light, radar reflector, and a buoy displaying clear identification of the owner or operator)) the following requirements are met:

     (i) Gear must be marked with a buoy. The buoy must have affixed to it in a visible and legible manner a department-approved and registered buoy brand issued to the licensee. Set lines must also be marked at the surface at each terminal end with a pole and flag, light, and radar reflector.

     (ii) Buoys affixed to unattended gear must be visible on the surface of the water except during strong tidal flow or extreme weather conditions.

     (iii) Set lines must be attended to no less than every seven days.

     (b) Licensing: A food fish set line fishery license is the license required to operate the gear provided for in this section.

     (c) Violation of licensing requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.500.

     (((c) Area restriction: It is unlawful to use set line gear in state territorial waters (0-3 miles) within Areas 59A, 59B, 60A-1 and 60A-2 and that portion of Area 58 within the Exclusive Economic Zone.

     (3))) (4) Bottomfish pots.

     (a) It is unlawful for the operator of bottomfish pots to leave such gear unattended, unless ((marked as provided in WAC 220-20-010(5). Bottomfish pots must be attended at least once every seven days. Bottomfish pots set individually must be marked at the surface with a pole and a flag, light, or radar reflector, and a buoy displaying clear identification of the owner. Bottomfish pots laid on a groundline must be marked at the surface at each terminal end of the groundline with a pole and a flag, light, and radar reflector, and a buoy displaying clear identification of the owner or operator)) unless the following requirements are met:

     (i) Gear must be marked with a buoy. The buoy must have affixed to it, in a visible and legible manner, a department-approved and registered buoy brand issued to the licensee.

     (ii) Bottomfish pots laid on a ground line must be marked at the surface with a pole and a flag, light, and radar reflector at each terminal end.

     (iii) Buoys affixed to unattended gear must be visible on the surface of the water except during strong tidal flow or extreme weather conditions.

     (iv) Bottomfish pots must be attended to no less than every seven days.

     (b) Licensing: A bottomfish pot fishery license is the license required to operate the gear provided for in this section.

     (c) Violation of licensing requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.500.

     (((c) Area restriction: It is unlawful to use bottomfish pots in state territorial waters (0-3 miles) within the catch areas provided for in this section.

     (4))) (5) Commercial jig gear.

     (a) Licensing: A bottomfish jig fishery license is the license required to operate the gear provided for in this section.

     (b) ((Area restriction: It is unlawful to use commercial jig gear in state territorial waters (0-3 miles) within the catch areas provided for in this section.

     (5))) Violation of licensing requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.500.

     (6) Troll lines.

     (a) Licensing: A bottomfish troll fishery license is the license required to operate the gear provided for in this section.

     (b) ((Area restriction: It is unlawful to use bottomfish troll gear in state territorial waters (0-3 miles) within the catch areas provided for in this section.

     (6) Incidental catch.

     (a) It is lawful to retain bottomfish taken incidental to any lawful salmon fishery, up to a daily limit of 100 pounds or 30% of all fish on board, whichever is greater. No more than one trip per day provided the bottomfish could be lawfully taken.

     (b) It is unlawful to take salmon incidental to any lawful bottomfish fishery.

     (c) It is lawful to retain sturgeon taken incidental to any lawful bottomfish fishery, provided the sturgeon could be lawfully taken.

     (d) It is unlawful to retain any species of shellfish taken incidental to any lawful bottomfish fishery, except that it is lawful to retain octopus and squid.)) Violation of licensing requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.500.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 01-02-060 (Order 00-266), § 220-44-030, filed 12/29/00, effective 1/29/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 98-05-043, § 220-44-030, filed 2/11/98, effective 3/14/98; 96-11-055 (Order 96-43), § 220-44-030, filed 5/9/96, effective 6/9/96; 94-12-009 (Order 94-23), § 220-44-030, filed 5/19/94, effective 6/19/94; 92-07-008 (Order 92-07), § 220-44-030, filed 3/6/92, effective 4/16/92; 88-22-033 (Order 88-157), § 220-44-030, filed 10/27/88; Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 88-22-033 (Order 88-157), § 220-44-030, filed 10/27/88; 84-08-014 (Order 84-24), § 220-44-030, filed 3/27/84; 82-14-056 (Order 82-72), § 220-44-030, filed 7/1/82; 82-03-045 (Order 82-6), § 220-44-030, filed 1/19/82; 81-02-053 (Order 81-3), § 220-44-030, filed 1/7/81; 79-03-014 (Order 79-11), § 220-44-030, filed 2/15/79; 78-04-039 (Order 78-11), § 220-44-030, filed 3/20/78.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 05-165, filed 8/3/05, effective 9/3/05)

WAC 220-44-035   Highly migratory species fisheries -- Possession and landing requirements -- Gear restriction.   (1) It is unlawful to possess, transport through the waters of the state, or land into any Washington port, highly migratory species taken ((from Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 58B, 59A-1, 59A-2, 60A-1, 60A-2, 61, 62, or 63 in violation of any permit or data collection requirements, established by the Pacific Fishery Management Council and published in the Federal Register, Volume 70, No. 27, published February 10, 2005. Therefore, persons must consult the federal regulations, which are incorporated by reference and made a part of chapter 220-44 WAC. Where rules refer to the fishery management area, that area is extended to include Washington state waters coterminous with the Exclusive Economic Zone. A copy of the federal rules may be obtained by contacting Evan Jacoby at 360-902-2930. Except as authorized under the federal rules referenced in this section, it is unlawful to use drift gill net gear in state and offshore waters west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, north of the Washington-Oregon boundary, and south of the United States-Canada boundary)) in violation of any permit or data collection requirements as published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 50, Part 660, Subpart G. These federal regulations provide the requirements for highly migratory species fisheries in the Pacific Ocean. There may be additional regulations listed in the Federal Register, and these override the regulations in the CFR if there are any inconsistencies between the two. Chapter 220-44 WAC incorporates the CFR by reference and is based, in part, on the CFR. Where rules refer to the fishery management area, that area is extended to include Washington state waters coterminous with the Exclusive Economic Zone. A copy of the federal rules may be obtained by contacting Lori Preuss at 360-902-2930, or the internet at www.pcouncil.org. State regulations may apply that are more restrictive than federal regulations.

     (2) Except as authorized under the federal rules referenced in this subsection, it is unlawful to use drift gill net gear in state and offshore waters west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, north of the Washington-Oregon boundary, and south of the United States-Canada boundary.

     (3) Violation of reporting requirements under this section is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.280.

     (4) Violation of gear requirements under this section is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.520.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 05-17-003 (Order 05-165), § 220-44-035, filed 8/3/05, effective 9/3/05; 02-02-051 (Order 01-288), § 220-44-035, filed 12/27/01, effective 1/27/02.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 84-24, filed 3/27/84)

WAC 220-44-040   Coastal bottomfishing areas and seasons.   ((It is lawful to take, fish for, and possess for commercial purposes bottomfish in coastal waters taken with gear described in WAC 220-44-030 all year in Coastal Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 58B, 59A, 59B, and 60A, unless otherwise provided.)) (1)(a) It is unlawful to possess, transport through the waters of the state, or land in any Washington state port bottomfish in violation of any area or time closure or requirement as published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 50, Part 660, Subpart G. These federal regulations provide the requirements for commercial groundfish fishing in the Pacific Ocean. There may be additional regulations listed in the Federal Register, and these override the regulations in the CFR if there are any inconsistencies between the two. Chapter 220-44 WAC incorporates the CFR by reference and is based, in part, on the CFR. Where rules refer to the fishery management area, that area is extended to include Washington state waters coterminous with the Exclusive Economic Zone. A copy of the federal rules may be obtained by contacting Lori Preuss at 360-902-2930, or the internet at www.pcouncil.org. State regulations may apply that are more restrictive than federal regulations.

     (b) Violation of catch requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.550.

     (2)(a) It is unlawful to use otter trawl or beam trawl gear in state territorial waters (0-3 miles) within Areas 58B, 59A-1, 59A-2, 59B, 60A-1 or 60A-2.

     (b) Violation of gear requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.520.

     (3)(a) It is unlawful for vessels using trawl gear to take and retain or possess groundfish within the trawl Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA) or Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) zones, except that:

     (i) Trawl gear vessels may transit though the trawl RCA or EFH zones with groundfish onboard, as long as the vessel does not fish for any species within the RCA or EFH zone on the same trip; and

     (ii) The activity is otherwise authorized under federal regulations.

     (b) For purposes of this section, "trawl RCA and EFH zones" means those areas and boundaries defined as "trawl RCA" or "EFH zone" in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 50, Part 600, Subpart G. The CFR lists the requirements for commercial groundfish fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Additional regulations may be enacted and listed in the Federal Register, and these regulations override those in the CFR if there are any inconsistencies between the two.

     (c) Violation of catch requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.550.

     (4)(a) It is unlawful for vessels using nontrawl gear to take and retain or possess groundfish within the nontrawl Rockfish Conservation Area (RCA), or to land such fish, except that:

     (i) Nontrawl gear vessels may travel through the nontrawl RCA with groundfish onboard as long as the vessel does not fish for any species within the RCA on the same trip; and

     (ii) The activity is otherwise authorized under federal regulations.

     (b) For purposes of this section, "nontrawl RCA" means those areas and boundaries defined as "nontrawl RCA" in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 50, Part 600, Subpart G. The CFR lists the requirements for commercial groundfish fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Additional regulations may be enacted and listed in the Federal Register, and these supersede the federal regulations in the CFR if there are any inconsistencies between the two.

     (c) Violation of catch requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.550.

     (5)(a) It is unlawful to use set line gear in state territorial waters (0-3 miles) within Areas 58B, 59A-1, 59A-2, 59B, 60A-1 and 60A-2, and in that portion of Area 58B within the Exclusive Economic Zone.

     (b) Violation of catch requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.550.

     (6)(a) It is unlawful to use bottomfish pots in state territorial waters (0-3 miles) within Areas 58B, 59A-1, 59A-2, 59B, 60A-1 and 60A-2, and in that portion of Area 58B within the Exclusive Economic Zone.

     (b) Violation of catch requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.550.

     (7)(a) It is unlawful to use commercial jig gear in state territorial waters (0-3 miles) within Areas 58B, 59A-1, 59A-2, 59B, 60A-1 and 60A-2, and in that portion of Area 58B within the Exclusive Economic Zone.

     (b) Violation of catch requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.550.

     (8)(a) It is unlawful to use bottomfish troll gear in state territorial waters (0-3 miles) within Areas 58B, 59A-1, 59A-2, 59B, 60A-1 and 60A-2, and in that portion of Area 58B within the Exclusive Economic Zone.

     (b) Violation of catch requirements under this subsection is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.550.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 84-08-014 (Order 84-24), § 220-44-040, filed 3/27/84; 83-10-016 (Order 83-31), § 220-44-040, filed 4/26/83; 82-14-056 (Order 82-72), § 220-44-040, filed 7/1/82; 81-02-053 (Order 81-3), § 220-44-040, filed 1/7/81; 79-03-014 (Order 79-11), § 220-44-040, filed 2/15/79; 78-04-039 (Order 78-11), § 220-44-040, filed 3/20/78.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 03-31, filed 2/18/03, effective 3/21/03)

WAC 220-44-050   Coastal bottomfish catch limits.   (1)(a) It is unlawful to possess, transport through the waters of the state, or land in any Washington state port, bottomfish taken ((from Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 58B, 59A, 59B, 60A, 61, 62, or 63)) in excess of the amounts or less than the minimum or maximum sizes, or in violation of any ((gear handling or)) of the possession, landing, or sorting requirements((, established by the Pacific Fisheries Management Council and published in the Federal Register, Volume 66, No. 8, published January 11, 2001, except thresher shark are further restricted as provided for in this section)) published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 50, Part 660, Subpart G. These federal regulations provide the requirements for commercial groundfish fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Additional regulations may be enacted and listed in the Federal Register, and these regulations override those in the CFR if there are any inconsistencies between the two. Therefore, persons must consult ((the)) these federal regulations, which ((incorporated)) chapter 220-44 WAC incorporates by reference and ((made a part of chapter 220-44 WAC)) is based on, in part. Where rules refer to the fishery management area, that area is extended to include Washington state waters coterminous with the Exclusive Economic Zone. A copy of the federal rules may be obtained by contacting ((Evan Jacoby)) Lori Preuss at 360-902-2930, or the internet at www.pcouncil.org. State regulations may apply that are more restrictive than federal regulations.

     (b) Violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.550.

     (2)(a) It is unlawful to possess, transport through the waters of the state, or land into any Washington port, walleye pollock taken with trawl gear from Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 58B, 59A-1, 59A-2, 59B, 60A-1, 60A-2, 61, 62, or 63, except by trawl vessels participating in the directed Pacific whiting fishery and the directed coastal groundfish fishery.

     (b) Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.550.

     (3)(a) It is unlawful for trawl vessels participating in the directed Pacific whiting and/or the directed coastal groundfish fishery to land incidental catches of walleye pollock greater than forty percent of their total landing by weight, not to exceed ten thousand pounds.

     (((2) At the time of landing of coastal bottomfish into Washington port, the fish buyer receiving the fish is required to clearly mark on the fish receiving ticket in the space reserved for dealer's use all legally defined trawl gear aboard the vessel at the time of delivery. The three trawl gear types are: Midwater trawl, roller trawl and small foot rope trawl (foot rope less than eight inches in diameter). The notation of the gear type(s) aboard the vessel is required prior to the signing of the fish receiving ticket by the vessel representative.

     (3) Vessels engaged in chartered research for National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may land and sell bottomfish caught during that research without the catch being counted toward any trip or cumulative limit for the participating vessel. Vessels that have been compensated for research work by NMFS with an exempted fishing permit (EFP) to land fish as payment for such research may land and sell fish authorized under the EFP without the catch being counted toward any trip or cumulative limit for the participating vessel. Any bottomfish landed during authorized NMFS research or under the authority of a compensating EFP for past chartered research work must be reported on a separate fish receiving ticket and not included on any fish receiving ticket reporting bottomfish landed as part of any trip or cumulative limit. Bottomfish landed under the authority of NMFS research work or an EFP compensating research with fish must be clearly marked "NMFS Compensation Trip" on the fish receiving ticket in the space reserved for dealer's use. The NMFS scientist in charge must sign the fish receiving ticket in the area reserved for dealer's use if any bottomfish are landed during authorized NMFS research. If the fish are landed under the authority of an EFP as payment for research work, the EFP number must be listed in the dealer's use space.)) (b) Violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.550.

     (4)(a) It is unlawful for an original receiver to receive whiting and whiting by-catch under the authority of an exempted fishing permit (EFP) issued by ((the National Marine Fisheries Service)) NMFS through the department, unless the original receiver has entered into a signed agreement with the department specifying the responsibilities of the original receiver in conjunction with the whiting EFP fishery. Failure to comply with the terms of the agreement shall be cause to remove the original receiver from the list of original receivers allowed to receive unsorted whiting catches from EFP vessels.

     (b) Violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.550.

     (5)(a) It is unlawful to land thresher shark taken by any means from state and offshore waters of the Pacific Ocean north of the Washington-Oregon boundary and south of the United States-Canada boundary((, and)). It is unlawful to land thresher shark taken south of the Washington-Oregon boundary unless each thresher shark landed is accompanied by a minimum of two swordfish.

     (b) Violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.550.

     (6)(a) It is unlawful to take salmon incidental to any lawful bottomfish fishery.

     (b) Violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.550.

     (7)(a) It is unlawful to retain sturgeon species, other than white sturgeon, taken incidental to any lawful bottomfish fishery. White sturgeon may be taken as long as the fisher complies with minimum and maximum size restrictions for commercial fisheries.

     (b) Violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.550.

     (8)(a) It is unlawful to retain any species of shellfish taken incidental to any lawful bottomfish fishery, except that it is lawful to retain octopus and squid.

     (b) Violation of this subsection is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.550.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 03-05-078 (Order 03-31), § 220-44-050, filed 2/18/03, effective 3/21/03; 02-02-051 (Order 01-288), § 220-44-050, filed 12/27/01, effective 1/27/02; 01-13-002 (Order 01-103), § 220-44-050, filed 6/6/01, effective 7/7/01. Statutory Authority: 2000 c 107 § 7. 00-16-033 (Order 00-124), § 220-44-050, filed 7/24/00, effective 8/24/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 98-15-033 (Order 98-121), § 220-44-050, filed 7/7/98, effective 8/7/98; 98-05-043, § 220-44-050, filed 2/11/98, effective 3/14/98; 96-11-055 (Order 96-43), § 220-44-050, filed 5/9/96, effective 6/9/96; 95-08-069 (Order 95-29), § 220-44-050, filed 4/4/95, effective 5/5/95; 94-13-077 (Order 94-51), § 220-44-050, filed 6/10/94, effective 7/11/94; 93-07-093 (Order 93-16), § 220-44-050, filed 3/22/93, effective 4/22/93; 92-07-008 (Order 97-07), § 220-44-050, filed 3/6/92, effective 4/16/92; 91-07-050 (Order 91-12), § 220-44-050, filed 3/18/91, effective 4/18/91; 90-13-108 (Order 90-26), § 220-44-050, filed 6/21/90, effective 7/22/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.070 and 75.08.080. 89-14-069 (Order 89-54), § 220-44-050, filed 6/30/89; 89-06-030 (Order 89-07), § 220-44-050, filed 2/24/89; 88-14-020 (Order 88-42), § 220-44-050, filed 6/28/88. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 87-07-042 (Order 87-17), § 220-44-050, filed 3/16/87; 86-12-027 (Order 86-39), § 220-44-050, filed 5/28/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.070 and 75.08.080. 85-07-022 (Order 85-17), § 220-44-050, filed 3/13/85. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 84-08-014 (Order 84-24), § 220-44-050, filed 3/27/84; 83-17-030 (Order 83-88), § 220-44-050, filed 8/10/83; 83-10-016 (Order 83-31), § 220-44-050, filed 4/26/83.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 00-124, filed 7/24/00, effective 8/24/00)

WAC 220-44-080   Otter trawl logbook required.   ((It shall be unlawful for any operator of otter trawl gear to fail to possess and maintain a "Washington-Oregon-California Trawl Logbook" while fishing in Coastal Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 58B, 59A-1, 59A-2, 59B, 60A-1, 60A-2, 61, 62 and 63. The logbook must be kept aboard the vessel while it is fishing in the above areas, or while having fish aboard that were caught in the above areas. The vessel operator must submit the completed logbook for inspection immediately upon request by authorized department representatives. For each vessel trip, the operator shall record the vessel name and registration number, crew size, departure and return date and time, and buyers of fish landed. For each trawl tow conducted the vessel operator shall record the month and day, time gear was set and retrieved, latitude and longitude fished, depth fished, net type, target species, and estimated weight of species of fish retained. Species or species groups with trip or cumulative limits must be identified separately and cannot be recorded in combination with other species. The department's copies of completed log sheets must be submitted to the department for each month in which fishing activity occurs. The department's copies must be received within ten days following any calendar month in which fishing activity occurred, or within ten days following the termination of commercial fishing activity, whichever occurs first.)) (1) It is unlawful for any vessel operator engaged in commercial otter trawl fishing in Coastal Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch Reporting Areas 58B, 59A-1, 59A-2, 59B, 60A-1, 60A-2, 61, 62, and 63, or possessing groundfish taken with such gear from those areas, to fail to obtain and accurately maintain the appropriate logbook.

     (2) It is unlawful for the operator of the harvest vessel to fail to keep the logbook aboard the vessel while the vessel is engaged in groundfish fishing or has groundfish onboard.

     (3) It is unlawful for the vessel operator to fail to submit harvest logs for inspection upon request by fish and wildlife officers and/or authorized department employees.

     (4) It is unlawful for any vessel operator engaged in groundfish fishing to fail to comply with the following methods and time frames of logbook submittal:

     (a) Vessel operators responsible for submitting logs to the department must maintain a copy of all submitted logs for up to three years after the fishing activity ended. The copies must verify that logs sent by mail were received by the department, except that operators submitting logs directly to authorized department employees must record the name and date of the contact on the fisherman's copy of the log. The operators must maintain these copies for up to three years after the fishing activity ended.

     (b) The department's copies of completed log sheets must be submitted to the department for each month in which fishing activity occurs. The department's copies must be received within ten days following any calendar month in which fishing activity occurred, or within ten days following the termination of the commercial fishing activity, whichever occurs first.

     (5) It is unlawful for vessel operators engaged in commercial groundfish fishing or possessing groundfish to fail to permanently and legibly record in ink the following information within the following time constraints:

     (a) For each vessel trip, the operator shall record the vessel name and registration number, crew size, departure and return date and time, and buyers of fish landed.

     (b) For each trawl tow conducted, the vessel operator shall record the month and day, time gear was set and retrieved, latitude and longitude fished, depth at which most fish were caught, net type, target species, and estimated weight of fish species retained. Species or species groups with trip or cumulative limits must be identified separately and cannot be recorded in combination with other species.

     (6) Violation of this section is a misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.280.

[Statutory Authority: 2000 c 107 § 7. 00-16-033 (Order 00-124), § 220-44-080, filed 7/24/00, effective 8/24/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 98-05-043, § 220-44-080, filed 2/11/98, effective 3/14/98; 85-08-023 (Order 85-24), § 220-44-080, filed 4/1/85.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 94-23, filed 5/19/94, effective 6/19/94)

WAC 220-44-090   Far offshore fishery.   (1)(a) It is unlawful for any fisher to transport through the waters of the state, or to land in any Washington state port, bottomfish taken ((without)) outside the Exclusive Economic Zone (more than 200 miles offshore), except ((as provided for in this section:

     (1))) that any fisher may transport bottomfish through the waters of the state or land bottomfish taken without the Exclusive Economic Zone, provided:

     (((a))) (i) The fisher has, at least 48 hours prior to participating in the far offshore fishery, notified the department ((by)) either by writing to the ((Marine Fish-Shellfish Division, Washington State Fisheries)) Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 48A Devonshire Road, Montesano, WA 98563; or telephoning the department during regular business hours, Monday through Friday ((to (360) 586-6129)), at 360-586-6129. The fisher must provide the following information: Vessel name and official number; anticipated fishing dates; anticipated port of landing; ((and

     (b))) (ii) The fisher ((has made)) makes the vessel available for a hold inspection, if required to do so by the department, prior to departure ((to participate in)) for the far offshore fishery; and

     (((c))) (iii) The fisher ((has notified)) notifies the department at least 24 hours prior to landing bottomfish at any Washington state port. The fisher must provide the following information: Port of landing; estimated date and time of landing; estimated species composition, and weight of fish aboard.

     (b) Violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.280.

     (2)(a) It is unlawful for any fisher to fish within, or to land fish taken from within, the Exclusive Economic Zone during any trip for which a declaration to participate in the far offshore fishery has been made.

     (b) Violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.280.

     (3)(a) Fishers participating in the far offshore fishery are required to be properly licensed in order to land bottomfish into a Washington state port.

     (b) Violation of catch restrictions is punishable pursuant to RCW 77.15.550.

     (4) This section does not apply to bottomfish ((which)) that have been previously landed in another state, territory, or country((,)); does not apply to delivery by vessels other than the catcher vessel; and does not apply to bottomfish taken in Canadian territorial waters.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 94-12-009 (Order 94-23), § 220-44-090, filed 5/19/94, effective 6/19/94.]


NEW SECTION
WAC 220-44-100   Bottomfish caught during research.   (1) Vessels engaged in chartered research for the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) or the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) may land and sell bottomfish caught during that research without the catch being counted toward any trip or cumulative limit for the participating vessel.

     (2) Vessels that have been compensated for research work by NMFS or IPHC with an exempted fishing permit (EFP) to land fish as payment for such research may land and sell fish authorized under the EFP without the catch being counted toward any trip or cumulative limit for the participating vessel.

     (3) Any bottomfish landed during authorized NMFS or IPHC research or under the authority of a compensating EFP for past-chartered research work must be reported on a separate fish receiving ticket and not included on any fish receiving ticket reporting bottomfish landed as part of any trip or cumulative limit.

     (4) Bottomfish landed under the authority of NMFS or IPHC research work or an EFP-compensating research with fish must be clearly marked "NMFS Compensation Trip" or "IPHC Compensation Trip" on the fish receiving ticket in the space reserved for dealer's use.

     (5) The NMFS or IPHC scientist in charge must sign the fish receiving ticket in the area reserved for dealer's use if any bottomfish are landed during authorized NMFS or IPHC research. If the fish are landed under the authority of an EFP as payment for research work, the EFP number must be listed in the dealer's use space.

[]

OTS-9749.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-04-030, filed 1/29/07, effective 3/1/07)

WAC 220-69-230   Description of Washington state nontreaty fish receiving tickets.   (1) There is hereby created the following nontreaty fish receiving ticket forms to be prepared, printed, and distributed upon request, by the department: Puget Sound salmon, troll, marine, utility, and shellfish. These forms shall contain space for the following information:

     (a) Fisherman: Name of licensed deliverer.

     (b) Address: Address of licensed deliverer.

     (c) Boat name: Name or Coast Guard number of landing vessel.

     (d) WDFW boat registration: Washington department of fish and wildlife boat registration number.

     (e) Gear: Code number or name of specific type of gear used.

     (f) Fisherman's signature: Signature of licensed deliverer.

     (g) Date: Date of landing.

     (h) Dealer: Name of dealer, and department number assigned to dealer.

     (i) Buyer: Name of buyer, and department number assigned to buyer.

     (j) Receiver's signature: Signature of original receiver.

     (k) Number of days fished: Days spent catching fish.

     (l) Fish or shellfish caught inside or outside 3-mile limit: Check one box.

     (m) Catch area: Salmon catch area code if salmon are caught. Marine fish/shellfish catch area code if marine fish are caught or shellfish are caught or harvested.

     (n) Tally space for dealer's use: Used at dealer's discretion.

     (o) Species code: Department assigned species code.

     (p) Individual number of salmon, sturgeon, number of ghost shrimp in dozens, number of oysters in dozens or gallons, species description for all fish and shellfish, original total weight in round pounds of all shellfish or fish, except pounds of legally dressed fish and shellfish may be recorded in original dressed weight. Dressed fish and shellfish must be designated as dressed on the fish receiving ticket. Value of fish and shellfish sold or purchased: Summary information for species, or species groups landed. All species or categories of bottomfish having a vessel trip limit must be listed separately (see WAC 220-44-050).

     (q) Work area for dealer's use: Used at dealer's discretion, with the following exceptions:

     (i) Federal sablefish endorsed limited entry permit numbers must be recorded in this area for each delivery of sablefish landed under the authority of this permit. Separate fish tickets are required for each permit number being used.

     (ii) At the time of landing of coastal bottomfish into a Washington port, the fish buyer receiving the fish is required to clearly mark on the fish receiving ticket in the space reserved for dealer's use all legally defined trawl gear aboard the vessel at the time of delivery. The three trawl gear types are: Midwater trawl, roller trawl and small foot rope trawl (foot rope less than eight inches in diameter). The notation of the gear type(s) aboard the vessel is required prior to the signing of the fish receiving ticket by the vessel representative.

     (r) Total amount: Total value of landing.

     (s) Take-home fish: Species, number, and pounds of fish or shellfish retained for personal use.

     (t) Crew: Name and signature of crew members who take home fish.

     (2) The Puget Sound salmon fish receiving ticket shall be used for:

     (a) Deliveries of nontreaty salmon caught in inland waters.

     (b) Any other delivery of nontreaty salmon where the catch may be easily recorded.

     (c) Any imports of fresh salmon into the state of Washington.

     (3) The troll fish receiving ticket shall be used for:

     (a) Deliveries of nontreaty coastal salmon and incidental catch.

     (b) Any other nontreaty deliveries where the species delivered may be easily recorded.

     (c) Any imports of fresh salmon into the state of Washington.

     (4) The marine fish receiving ticket shall be used for:

     (a) Nontreaty deliveries of marine fish or bottomfish that do not include salmon.

     (b) Any imports of fresh marine fish or bottomfish.

     (5) The utility fish receiving ticket shall be used for:

     (a) Any nontreaty deliveries that do not include salmon, where other fish receiving tickets are not appropriate.

     (b) Any imports of fresh fish or shellfish that do not include salmon.

     (6) The shellfish receiving ticket shall be used for:

     (a) Any nontreaty deliveries of shellfish.

     (b) Any imports of fresh shellfish.

     (c) Any incidental catch of bottomfish made while fishing for shellfish. The species name, total pounds, and price per pounds must be entered for each species of bottomfish caught.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 07-04-030, § 220-69-230, filed 1/29/07, effective 3/1/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 00-01-145 (Order 99-221), § 220-69-230, filed 12/20/99, effective 1/20/00; 85-11-020 (Order 85-43), § 220-69-230, filed 5/10/85; 84-08-014 (Order 84-24), § 220-69-230, filed 3/27/84; 83-24-049 (Order 83-203), § 220-69-230, filed 12/2/83; 80-05-093 (Order 80-27), § 220-69-230, filed 5/2/80; 78-03-031 (Order 78-7), § 220-69-230, filed 2/17/78; Order 76-153, § 220-69-230, filed 12/17/76.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-04-030, filed 1/29/07, effective 3/1/07)

WAC 220-69-250   Required information on nontreaty fish receiving tickets.   (1) It is unlawful for a person required to complete a nontreaty fish receiving ticket to fail to enter the mandatory information referenced in WAC 220-69-230 (1)(a) through (m), (p), (q), (s), and (t) on each nontreaty fish receiving ticket.

     (2) A valid license card or duplicate license card issued by the department shall be used in conjunction with an approved mechanical imprinter in lieu of WAC 220-69-230 (1)(a) through (e) except as provided in WAC 220-69-273.

     (3) A valid dealer or buyer card issued by the department shall be used in conjunction with an approved mechanical imprinter in lieu of WAC 220-69-230 (1)(h) and (i).

     (4) During the period December 1 through December 30, the crab inspection certificate number is a required entry on all shellfish receiving tickets documenting landings and sale of Dungeness crab from Pacific Ocean, Coastal Washington, Grays Harbor, Willapa Harbor, and Columbia River waters. The crab inspection certificate number must be entered legibly on the left hand side of the ticket in the space indicated for dealer's use.

     (5) Violation of this section is a gross misdemeanor, punishable under RCW 77.15.640.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 77.12.047. 07-04-030, § 220-69-250, filed 1/29/07, effective 3/1/07; 04-17-096 (Order 04-210), § 220-69-250, filed 8/17/04, effective 9/17/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 00-01-145 (Order 99-221), § 220-69-250, filed 12/20/99, effective 1/20/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080 and 75.58.040. 86-19-043 (Order 86-102), § 220-69-250, filed 9/12/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 75.08.080. 85-11-020 (Order 85-43), § 220-69-250, filed 5/10/85; 85-01-010 (Order 84-214), § 220-69-250, filed 12/7/84; 84-08-014 (Order 84-24), § 220-69-250, filed 3/27/84; 83-24-049 (Order 83-203), § 220-69-250, filed 12/2/83; Order 76-153, § 220-69-250, filed 12/17/76.]

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