WSR 16-06-076

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed February 26, 2016, 11:03 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: The department is considering amendments to recreational fishing rules in saltwater [areas] of Washington state.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.013, 77.04.055, 77.12.045, and 77.15.047 [77.12.047].

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department must amend recreational fishing rules to meet conservation objectives and provide fishing opportunities within those conservation objectives. The department is considering changes to the recreational fishing rules in saltwater areas of Washington state. The department may consider additional recreational fishing rule changes if necessary.

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 Craig Burley, Fish Management Division Manager, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501, phone (360) 902-2784, e-mail Craig.Burley@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by September 2, 2016. Expected filing date on or after September 23, 2016.

February 26, 2016

Jacalyn M. Hursey

Acting Rules Coordinator