Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 220-32-057 Seasons -- Sturgeon and 220-20-020(1) General provisions -- Lawful and unlawful acts -- Food fish other than salmon.

     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: The Columbia River compact adopted new measurement criteria for white sturgeon, based on fork length versus total length. The size limits in the WAC need to reflect the new criteria.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Oregon and Washington departments of fish and wildlife have developed reciprocal rules for fishers on the concurrent waters of the Columbia River. This rule proposal will mirror Oregon's for the definition of the legal size limit for white sturgeon in the Columbia River.

     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 Lori Preuss, WDFW Enforcement, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2930, fax (360) 902-2155, e-mail Lori.preuss@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by April 1, 2009. Expected proposal filing on or after April 22, 2009.

March 3, 2009

Loreva M. Preuss

Rules Coordinator

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