Seeking help navigating WDFW for a WAC change

[Netminder01]

For nearly 10 years, I've been trying to get a special use permit from WDFW to import Procambarus Clarkii (Red swamp crawfish) strictly for consumption after they were classified as invasive in 2004. My frustration has increased over the years as there appears to be an unwillingness to engage in any sort of solution-based dialogue, disregarding an invitation to reasonably discuss via Zoom. I continue to be pointed to a few small, unreliable local fisheries and Facebook groups harvesting native crayfish.

Going forward, I'd like to consider all viable solutions that can lead to a successful change or modification to WAC 220-640-040(1)(c). I'm uncertain if I need to start up a petition, hire a lawyer, escalate up their chain of command, put the measure on the ballot, etc. My desired outcome is only that a special, use-case permit be issued so I can host my crawfish boil again using live crawfish from the gulf south. I promise not to let a single one go.   

Can anyone help?

[pianoman9701]

You probably already have this, but...
https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/policies-rules/wac-rules#:~:text=How%20to%20Request%20a%20WAC,a%20State%20Administrative%20Rule%20form.

[Netminder01]

You probably already have this, but...
https://www.sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/policies-rules/wac-rules#:~:text=How%20to%20Request%20a%20WAC,a%20State%20Administrative%20Rule%20form.

I do, but thanks for posting. It felt like the approach I had been taking was an informal version of that petition. Wouldn't the petition get the same answer from the same group?

Maybe what I need is counsel on which approach would most likely yield my desired outcome...?

[pickardjw]

I had a coworker import some from Louisiana in 2018 or so. Not sure how he got around this if was in place then. Looking at a website that ships they clearly outline that they don't ship to WA...Sorry, not a particularly helpful comment.

Washington Crawfish company sells local caught signal crawfish. I emailed with the owner a bit last year just talking strategy for my personal traps. Nice guy.

If you need signatures let me know, I'll sign.

[bigtex]

Ain't gonna happen. Most states (including WA) are getting pretty hard-core against invasive species. I don't foresee WDFW backtracking or issuing permits because someone wants a crayfish boil.

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[Netminder01]

I had a coworker import some from Louisiana in 2018 or so. Not sure how he got around this if was in place then. Looking at a website that ships they clearly outline that they don't ship to WA...Sorry, not a particularly helpful comment.

Washington Crawfish company sells local caught signal crawfish. I emailed with the owner a bit last year just talking strategy for my personal traps. Nice guy.

If you need signatures let me know, I'll sign.

Thanks for offering but no, signals are not what I'm seeking in this case. I've tried more than once to use local fisheries and/or suppliers; it doesn't work partly because of the amount I need available for the boil; around 400lbs.

[Netminder01]

Ain't gonna happen. Most states (including WA) are getting pretty hard-core against invasive species. I don't foresee WDFW backtracking or issuing permits because someone wants a crayfish boil.

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Can you elaborate? That's basically the stance I'm getting from DFW with the reply highlighting that 'some people' are prone to let remaining bugs go in local streams. I'm willing to pay for a permit that would hold me responsible for any being released or any potential 'damage'. Why is this not good enough?

[bigtex]

Ain't gonna happen. Most states (including WA) are getting pretty hard-core against invasive species. I don't foresee WDFW backtracking or issuing permits because someone wants a crayfish boil.

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Can you elaborate? That's basically the stance I'm getting from DFW with the reply highlighting that 'some people' are prone to let remaining bugs go in local streams. I'm willing to pay for a permit that would hold me responsible for any being released or any potential 'damage'. Why is this not good enough?

Lets say WDFW was to give you a permit where you're held liable for release into the environment. In 2 years when a stream/lake is infested with these guys how would WDFW prove you were the one who let them go? They couldn't, it could've been you, or it could've been someone who illegally imported/transported them into the state.

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[Netminder01]

Ain't gonna happen. Most states (including WA) are getting pretty hard-core against invasive species. I don't foresee WDFW backtracking or issuing permits because someone wants a crayfish boil.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Can you elaborate? That's basically the stance I'm getting from DFW with the reply highlighting that 'some people' are prone to let remaining bugs go in local streams. I'm willing to pay for a permit that would hold me responsible for any being released or any potential 'damage'. Why is this not good enough?

Lets say WDFW was to give you a permit where you're held liable for release into the environment. In 2 years when a stream/lake is infested with these guys how would WDFW prove you were the one who let them go? They couldn't, it could've been you, or it could've been someone who illegally imported/transported them into the state.

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I realize we're slowly eeking towards a world where there's a tendency for proof that someone didn't do something before being allowed to partake in it but, how about this:

1. Pay for an enforcement officer to visit the boil, checking & ensuring bugs are going into boiling water, not a nearby creek.
2. The permit number can be tied to import orders, geographically tied to any future potential invasive species hike.
3. Keep and weigh eaten shells with the uneaten but cooked bugs to report back to DFW, like a catch card.

I'm not looking for a way to skirt the law and let bugs go. I'm looking for a legal way for me to import the seafood I want to share & eat with friends.
 

[Remnar]

Get some spot prawns they are way tastier ! Or a Dungie feed .

Honestly your plea is  weak . IMHOP

[Netminder01]

Get some spot prawns they are way tastier ! Or a Dungie feed .

Honestly your plea is  weak . IMHOP

Appreciate your feedback but my view is DFW's position is weak.

I believe anyone should be allowed to responsibly consume whatever legal food of their choosing. The issue here is the length of invasive classification and the lack of a permitting process that allows restaurants and consumers alike to partake. Convince me that position is weak.

[Jake Dogfish]

Get some spot prawns they are way tastier ! Or a Dungie feed .

Honestly your plea is  weak . IMHOP

Appreciate your feedback but my view is DFW's position is weak.

I believe anyone should be allowed to responsibly consume whatever legal food of their choosing. The issue here is the length of invasive classification and the lack of a permitting process that allows restaurants and consumers alike to partake. Convince me that position is weak.

No chance.
In the lakes that have non-native crawfish, you are required to kill them before leaving the lake.  Which basically means you have to cook them right there as crawfish don’t keep dead.
I would focus on changing that rule, or get rid of the ridiculous season, it should be year round like Oregon and Idaho. 

[Humptulips]

IMO you are wasting time trying to get the WAC changed. Not happening. You would have more chance in getting an exemption through Legislative action. Still a longshot.

[Remnar]

IMO you are wasting time trying to get the WAC changed. Not happening. You would have more chance in getting an exemption through Legislative action. Still a longshot.

That was kind of my point also .

Pick the hill you die on .

You Must really love those bugs . Or ....

[pickardjw]

To be fair, Oregon and Minnesota appear to have permit systems for importing crawfish.