FISHERIES – Options for the state's reform policy on Columbia River salmon management will be up for public comment during a Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9-10, in Olympia.

The commission's meeting agenda also schedules action on a variety of new saltwater fishing rules as well as proposed changes in the protective status of five state wildlife species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, American white pelicans, marbled murrelets, and lynx.

The Columbia River reform policy, adopted by the commission in 2013, outlines a joint strategy by Washington and Oregon to restructure recreational and commercial salmon fisheries below Bonneville Dam. With the next phase of that plan set to take effect in 2017, state fishery managers will outline possible options for shaping the course of the reform effort in the years ahead.

The commission will not take action on the Columbia River reform policy at this week's meeting.

However, the panel will decide on 11 proposed saltwater sportfishing rules for the 2017 season.

One proposal would require that vessels fishing for bottomfish or halibut in Puget Sound carry a descending device allowing anglers to safely return rockfish to deep water. Another would make it unlawful to possess another person's shellfish or food fish in the field or in transit without written permission.

In action related to endangered species rules, the commission will consider removing bald eagles and peregrine falcons from Washington's sensitive species list, and reducing the protective status of white pelicans from "endangered" to "threatened." Surveys show that all three species have rebounded in Washington state largely because of the federal ban on the pesticide DDT and other factors.

Proposals to elevate the protective status of marbled murrelets and lynx to "endangered" from "threatened" status will be considered in response to declining populations of those species.

The commission will also cover:

• Plans to seek additional funding and partnerships to better connect people with nature and to implement the State Wildlife Action Plan to conserve Washington's diverse fish and wildlife and their habitats.

• North of Falcon season-setting process for state salmon fisheries.

• Scientific research projects currently underway at the department.