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To ensure healthy stocks of rockfish populations in Puget Sound, WDFW has developed a draft Puget Sound Rockfish Conservation Plan, which is the preferred alternative among several presented in a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The goal of the draft conservation plan is to restore and protect our natural heritage of Puget Sound rockfish populations. Increases in the abundance, distribution, diversity and productivity of rockfish will help restore the Puget Sound ecosystem, provide opportunities to view rockfish in the marine environment and, when, appropriate, provide sustainable fishing opportunities. The draft plan also offers a framework for state rockfish managers to follow in developing regulations, establishing priorities, and providing guidelines for the development of additional plans with tribal co-managers.
The DEIS together with the draft plan is available for a public review. Comments must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2010.
Written comments may be emailed to SEPAdesk2@dfw.wa.gov or mailed to:
WDFW SEPA Desk
600 Capitol Way N.
Olympia, WA 98501-1091.
Comments also will be accepted at public meetings scheduled in October and November 2009.
Public review of the WDFW Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Draft Puget Sound Rockfish Conservation Plan, which is required under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), began on October 19, 2009.
In addition, people can submit comments, as well as discuss the draft plan with WDFW staff, during public meetings scheduled for:
- Bremerton - Nov. 30
From 7-9 p.m. at the Bremerton City Hall, 345 6th Street, Bremerton.
- Seattle Aquarium - Dec. 2
From 7-9 p.m. at the Seattle Aquarium, 1483 Alaskan Way, Seattle.
- Mount Vernon - Dec. 3
From 7-9 p.m. in Angst Hall at Skagit Valley College’s Mount Vernon Campus, 2405 East College Way, Mount Vernon.
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