Summary of proposed rule
The department is considering amending WAC 220-353-050 to add certain bottomfish (also known as “groundfish”) to the list of commercially taken species that are permitted to be possessed, transported through the waters of the state, and landed in the dressed condition.
Scope and rationale for proposed rule
The purpose of this rule change is to allow commercial landings of dressed rockfish for vessels that obtain a director’s permit to do so. To ensure accurate data collection for stock assessments, fish are currently required to be landed into Washington ports in the whole (also known as “round”) condition, unless specifically exempted in regulation. This rule would expand the list of exempted species/species groups to include rockfishes, again as authorized by permit of the director.
Documents
Public hearing
March 14 public hearing
Zoom webinar recording
For more information
Staff Contact: Whitney Roberts at whitney.roberts@dfw.wa.gov
Public comments
The comment period has closed as of March 10, 2023.
To view comments received for this proposal, please visit the Commercial Fixed Gear Rockfish Landings Condition public engagement page.