# RCW 77.04.012: RCW 77.04.012: Mandate of department and commission

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S012

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 77.04.012
- **Heading:** RCW 77.04.012: Mandate of department and commission
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 04 / Section 012

## Text

Wildlife, fish, and shellfish are the property of the state. The commission, director, and the department shall preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish in state waters and offshore waters. The department shall conserve the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources in a manner that does not impair the resource. In a manner consistent with this goal, the department shall seek to maintain the economic well-being and stability of the fishing industry in the state. The department shall promote orderly fisheries and shall enhance and improve recreational and commercial fishing in this state. The commission may authorize the taking of wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish only at times or places, or in manners or quantities, as in the judgment of the commission does not impair the supply of these resources. The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens. Recognizing that the management of our state wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources depends heavily on the assistance of volunteers, the department shall work cooperatively with volunteer groups and individuals to achieve the goals of this title to the greatest extent possible. Nothing in this title shall be construed to infringe on the right of a private property owner to control the owner's private property.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 77.04.010 RCW 77.04.010: Short title.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S010.md)
- [RCW 77.04.012 RCW 77.04.012: Mandate of department and commission.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S012.md)
- [RCW 77.04.013 RCW 77.04.013: Findings and intent.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S013.md)
- [RCW 77.04.020 RCW 77.04.020: Composition of department—Powers and duties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S020.md)
- [RCW 77.04.030 RCW 77.04.030: Commission—Appointment.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S030.md)
- [RCW 77.04.040 RCW 77.04.040: Commission—Qualifications of members.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S040.md)
- [RCW 77.04.055 RCW 77.04.055: Commission—Duties.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S055.md)
- [RCW 77.04.060 RCW 77.04.060: Commission—Meetings—Officers—Compensation, travel expenses.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S060.md)
- [RCW 77.04.080 RCW 77.04.080: Director—Qualifications—Duties—Salary.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S080.md)
- [RCW 77.04.090 RCW 77.04.090: Rule-making authority—Certified copy as evidence.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S090.md)
- [RCW 77.04.120 RCW 77.04.120: Director—Research—Reports.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S120.md)
- [RCW 77.04.130 RCW 77.04.130: Adoption and certification of rules.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S130.md)
- [RCW 77.04.140 RCW 77.04.140: Unofficial printings of laws or rules—Approval required.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S140.md)
- [RCW 77.04.145 RCW 77.04.145: Notification requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S145.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T77_C04_S012. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.