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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 21-110

RULES AND REGULATIONS

Title 58—RECREATION

FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION

[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 63 ]

Fishing; General Fishing Regulations

[51 Pa.B. 429]
[Saturday, January 23, 2021]

 The Fish and Boat Commission (Commission) amends Chapter 63 (relating to general fishing regulations). The Commission is publishing this final-form rulemaking under the authority of 30 Pa.C.S. (relating to Fish and Boat Code) (code). The amendments update the Commission's regulations for the sale and purchase of fish.

A. Effective Date

 This final-form rulemaking will go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

B. Contact Person

 For further information on this final-form rulemaking, contact Wayne Melnick, Esq., P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, (717) 705-7810. This final-form rulemaking is available on the Commission's web site at www.fishandboat.com.

C. Statutory Authority

 The amendments to § 63.19(d) (relating to sale and purchase of fish) are published under the statutory authority of section 2102(c) of the code (relating to rules and regulations).

D. Purpose and Background

 The specific purpose and background of the amendments are described in more detail under the summary of changes.

E. Summary of Changes

 The Commission regulates both commercial and private fish cleaning stations under § 63.15a (relating to officially-recognized fish cleaning stations). This regulation allows anglers in certain circumstances to clean fish and dispose of the remains without transporting the intact catch to their home. This is important for many anglers, especially those on extended trips or visiting specific waters such as Lake Erie. Official cleaning stations also assist anglers in complying with regulations which prevent disposing of fish parts into Commonwealth waters. Fish processed at an official cleaning station allow anglers to be exempt from regulations requiring a fish to remain intact until reaching the place of consumption so it can be identified and measured for compliance with seasons, sizes and creel limits.

 As technologies for cleaning stations change, various methods of carcass disposal are utilized. In several states, fish cleaning byproducts may be sold to other entities for further beneficial use, such as fertilizer in agriculture. In this Commonwealth, cleaning stations are forced to grind the carcasses and place the byproduct into wastewater treatment or landfills.

 To allow fish cleaning stations to provide a better service to Commonwealth anglers and facilitate better use of fish cleaning byproducts, the Commission amends § 63.19(d) of its regulations to read as set forth in the proposed rulemaking published at 50 Pa.B. 5270 (September 26, 2020).

F. Paperwork

 This final-form rulemaking will not increase paperwork and will not create new paperwork requirements.

G. Fiscal Impact

 This final-form rulemaking will have no adverse fiscal impact on the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions.

H. Public Comments

 A notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 50 Pa.B. 5270. The Commission did not receive any public comments regarding the proposal.

Findings

 The Commission finds that:

 (1) Public notice of intention to adopt the amendments adopted by this order has been given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L. 769, No. 240) (45 P.S. §§ 1201 and 1202), known as the Commonwealth Documents Law, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2 (relating to notice of proposed rulemaking required; and adoption of regulations).

 (2) A public comment period was provided and no comments were received.

 (3) The adoption of the amendments of the Commission in the manner provided in this order is necessary and appropriate for administration and enforcement of the authorizing statutes.

Order

 The Commission, acting under the authorizing statutes, orders that:

 (A) The regulations of the Commission, 58 Pa. Code Chapter 63, are amended by amending § 63.19(d) to read as set forth at 50 Pa.B. 5270.

 (B) The Executive Director will submit this order and 50 Pa.B. 5270 to the Office of Attorney General for approval as to legality and form as required by law.

 (C) The Executive Director shall certify this order and 50 Pa.B. 5270 and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.

 (D) This order shall take effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

TIMOTHY D. SCHAEFFER, 
Executive Director

 Fiscal Note: Fiscal Note 48A-301 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulation.

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 21-110. Filed for public inspection January 22, 2021, 9:00 a.m.]


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