FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION [58 PA. CODE CH. 65] Fishing; Miscellaneous Special Regulations [35 Pa.B. 2633] The Fish and Boat Commission (Commission) proposes to amend Chapter 65 (relating to special fishing regulations). The Commission is publishing this proposed rulemaking under the authority of 30 Pa.C.S. (relating to the Fish and Boat Code) (code). The proposed rulemaking relates to permits for the use of cast nets or throw nets for the taking of gizzard shad and alewife on Lake Arthur in Butler County.
A. Effective Date
The proposed rulemaking, if approved on final-form, will go into effect immediately upon publication of an order in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
B. Contact Person
For further information on the proposed rulemaking, contact Laurie E. Shepler, Chief Counsel, P. O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, (717) 705-7815. This proposed rulemaking is available on the Commission's website: www.fish.state.pa.us.
C. Statutory Authority
The proposed amendment to § 65.24 (relating to miscellaneous special regulations) is published under the statutory authority of section 2307 of the code (relating to waters limited to specific purposes).
D. Purpose and Background
The proposed rulemaking is designed to update, modify and improve the Commission's fishing regulations. The specific purpose of the proposed amendments is described in more detail under the summary of proposal.
E. Summary of Proposal
Several years ago, the Commission promulgated a regulation pertaining to the issuance of permits for the use of cast nets for taking live gizzard shad and alewife at Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County. Live gizzard shad and alewife have proved to be a popular bait for striped bass but are difficult to capture by means of conventional seines and nets less than or equal to 4 feet in diameter. Subsequently, the Commission amended its regulation at Raystown Lake to increase the maximum size from 12 to 20 feet in diameter.
A recent application was filed for use of larger cast nets at Lake Arthur to capture alewife for striped bass angling. This application was denied as the cast net permit applies only to Raystown Lake. The use of a net such as this at Lake Arthur warrants consideration given the presence of surface schooling alewife for much of the year and the desire to enhance striped bass angling there. The Commission has determined that using larger cast nets on Lake Arthur is feasible and can be done without adverse impacts. This regulation will enhance striped bass fishing in the region. The Commission therefore proposes that § 65.24 be amended to read as set forth in Annex A.
F. Paperwork
The proposed rulemaking will increase paperwork in that individuals who wish to use cast nets or throw nets to take gizzard shad and alewife on Lake Arthur will be required to complete an application and, if approved, the Commission will issue a permit. The Commission estimates that it will issue less than 100 permits each year for the use of cast nets or throw nets on Lake Arthur. No new paperwork requirements will be created because the Commission already issues net permits under section 2902 of the code (relating to net permits).
G. Fiscal Impact
The proposed rulemaking will have no adverse fiscal impact on the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions. The proposed rulemaking will impose no new costs on the private sector or the general public. Under section 2902 of the code, the Commission has the authority to issue net permits for a fee of $10.
H. Public Comments
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, objections or suggestions about the proposed rulemaking to the Executive Director, Fish and Boat Commission, P. O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000 within 30 days after publication of this notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted.
Comments also may be submitted electronically by completing the form at www.state.pa.us/Fish/ regcomments. If an acknowledgment of electronic comments is not received by the sender within 2 working days, the comments should be retransmitted to ensure receipt.
DOUGLAS J. AUSTEN, Ph.D.,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: 48A-169. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A TITLE 58. RECREATION PART II. FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION Subpart B. FISHING CHAPTER 65. SPECIAL FISHING REGULATIONS § 65.24. Miscellaneous special regulations.
The following waters are subject to the following miscellaneous special regulations:
County Name of Water Special Regulations * * * * *
Butler Lake Arthur The Executive Director or a designee may issue permits for use of cast nets or throw nets for taking only gizzard shad and alewife. In addition to other permit conditions that the Executive Director may require, the permits shall be limited to cast nets or throw nets of no greater than 10 feet in radius (20 feet in diameter) with a mesh size of at least 3/8 inches. * * * * *
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 05-838. Filed for public inspection April 29, 2005, 9:00 a.m.]
