An interesting session. Lots of things to think about. WDFW is concerned about NOAA stepping in with some heavy rules to protect certain rockfishes and the state wants to have something showing that they are doing something. Might mitigate some federal stuff. Mentioned in passing that the Chinook agreement expires next year and the rockfish recovery plan might help mitigate possible problems for the Chinook plan. Pretty convulouted.

Some good comments provided to Palsson and Bargman about concerns over the plan and the timeline that we're working under. Issues with the proposed regulation (#10) and the DEIS and which should come first. Looks like they want the DEIS approved before the final regulation action. But, there was an indication that the deadline for comments on the DEIS might be extended.

Some interesting proposals on gear restrictions that might protect rockfish to some extent and get away from the depth restriction were offered up. Problem is that there is a perception that sport fishers are a big part of the problem with our harvest of about 13K rockfish/year and an encounter rate (and subsequent hooking mortality) of upwards of 24K fish. It looks like they think salmon fishers encounter fair numbers of rockfish. Probably local, but it adds up.

Doesn't look like much thought is given to the economic impacts of closures on local businesses.

Key species the state has listed for the project are Yelloweye, Canary, Copper, Quillback, Bocaccio, and Puget Sound Rockfish. Possible that Black/Yellowtail might be added to the key species list.

Discussed impact of state plan against tribal discussions (on-going but nothing concrete); NOAA plans; Marine Protected Areas (NOAA or state designated); USFWS (national wildlife refuges around the coastline); National Park Service; Dept of Natural Resources, Dept of Ecology, Puget Sound Partnership; and other governmental agencies plus NGOs. It's a hell of pot of stew with lots of chef's adding ingredients and stirring things around.

To me, it doesn't look like a cohesive plan is going to come together easily.

I'm hoping we get some more time for comments, but will be sending my concerns in by November 19 in case we don't.