• quality and memorable opportunities where anglers can catch large fish and the density of adult fish in the populations are sustained or increased; and
• trophy opportunities where anglers can catch large trophy-size fish and the survival of older and larger fish is increased.
Most recreational fishing regulation changes are updated in Administrative Code every two years. Not making the proposed rule changes would result in less than optimal management of fish populations in the waterbodies and reduced fishing opportunities for resident and visiting anglers. However, existing regulations would remain in place to provide some level of continued protection of fish resources.
4. Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule:
Section 23.09 (2) (c), Stats., provides that the department may designate fish refuges to secure the perpetuation and adequate supply of any species of fish and provide safe retreats in which fish may breed and replenish adjacent fishing waters. Section 29.014 (1), Stats., directs the department to establish and maintain conditions governing the taking of fish that will conserve the fish supply and ensure the citizens of this state continued opportunities for good fishing. Section 29.041, Stats., provides that the department may regulate fishing on and in all interstate boundary waters and outlying waters. Section 29.053 (2), Stats., provides that the department may establish conditions governing the taking of fish for the state as a whole, for counties or parts of counties, or for waterbodies or parts of waterbodies. It also allows the department to establish a fishing season on specified bodies of water in certain urban areas to allow fishing only by persons who are under 16 years old or who are disabled, as specified in s. 29.193 (3) (a), (b), or (c), Stats. 5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
Approximately 250 hours
6. List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
The proposed rule will primarily affect recreational anglers. As with any change in regulations, there will be a requirement for anglers to learn the new rules. The department works to notify the public of new regulations via press releases, the internet, and fishing regulations pamphlets.
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
Authority to promulgate fishing regulations is granted to states. None of the proposed changes violate or conflict with federal regulations.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule:
It is not expected that there will be any economic impact or change directly related to these rule changes (Governor’s Executive Order 50, level 3 economic impact analysis of minimal to no economic impact less than $50,000). The proposed rule will primarily affect recreational anglers. Regulations are already in place and this rule is intended to continue protection and enhancement of the State’s fish resources. One purpose of the rule is to help maintain the general economic impact of fishing throughout Wisconsin.
The department will conduct an economic impact analysis to determine if any individuals, businesses, local governments, or other entities expect to be adversely affected economically by the rule. The proposed rule would not impose any reporting requirements on small businesses nor would any design or operational standards be contained in the rule. The rule would not allow for the potential to establish a reduced fine for small businesses, nor would it establish “alternative enforcement mechanisms” for “minor violations” of administrative rules made by small businesses.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
Public hearings will occur at the Fish and Wildlife Spring Hearings all 72 counties in the month of April 2017.
The department will hold these hearings in these locations to get statewide public input on all proposals. The draft list of questions that will be on the Spring Hearings questionnaire will be provided to the Natural Resources Board in January 2017.
Contact Person: Kate Strom Hiorns, Fisheries Policy Specialist, 608-266-5206
