Summary of proposed rule
The purpose of this rule change is to amend a rule affecting the coastal recreational bottomfish fishery so that it is consistent with regulations adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Scope and rationale for proposed rule
The rule change will prohibit the possession of copper rockfish, quillback rockfish, and vermilion rockfish during May, June, and July in the coastal recreational bottomfish fishery, i.e., in Marine Areas 1 through 4, to reduce total catch consistent with reductions in state specific harvest guidelines for 2023. The coastal recreational bottomfish fishery season opens the second Saturday in March and closes the third Saturday in October and retention of these species will remain lawful in the other months of the season to support biological data collection needed for scientific population assessments.
This rule change conforms state regulations to regulations recently adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) and implemented into federal regulation by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Stakeholder input from Washington recreational anglers was considered during the PFMC public hearing process and through meetings sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Documents
- CR-105 – filed as WSR 23-02-065 on Notice and opportunity to comment on this current expedited rule-making proposal
Public hearing
The rule was proposed under an expedited rule making process that eliminated the need for the agency to hold public hearings, prepare a small business economic impact statement, or provide responses to the criteria for a significant legislative rule. No written objections to the use of this process were received.
For more information
Staff Contact: Lorna.Wargo@dfw.wa.gov