The WDFW website has a page dedicated to the Sportfishing Rule Proposals. As of today, 5 Nov, in the text of that page is a sentence that clearly identifies that two proposals were added on 24 September and directs readers to the end of the document. There is NO reference in the text to any other proposals having been added.

However, looking at the link to the document on the same page there is, in small letters, words indicating that it had been changed 16 October. No indication of where those changes are to be found in the document nor that the changes actually are added proposals to include the proposed closure.

If you go to these two new additions there is a large, bold heading of
Legislative Requirements and immediately following is #5 Columbia River Endorsements. Clearly this has to do with legislative requirements. Following that is an unnumbered heading "Proposed Bottomfish and Halibut Closure Area." One could read this as that the Neah Bay closure is a legislative requirement. Very sloppy or very devious.

Who is wrong in this travesty of the administrative process? The new Commissioner Jennings? Absolutely! He was aware of the time lines and decided to ask for special treatment (another ethics gaff by this guy) for a very self-serving request and also put the newly selected Director in a politically awkward position. How about Director Anderson? Of course, all he had to do was point to the administrative rule making process and say that he was sorry but that it was too late. Guess you don't say that to one of the folks who just hired you. My suggestion is that Mr. Jennings resign.

I have fished this area all of my life (which has a lot less to go than has been enjoyed to date) and as recently as April for a rockfishing trip. Weather was pretty sloppy outside and around Duncan so we spent most of our time in close to the rocks. Exactly those areas this outrageous proposal would exclude all of us from forever in order to provide a "world class dive site." Nothing prevents those divers from using those areas. They simply want their own aquarium in which to dive and make bubbles.

Folks need to look at the administrative process requirements and consider whether this process has been violated. Oh, Mr. Commissioner, I too have a proposal I would like to add.........

Well, lights are flickering so I had better cut this off and get it on its way.