(1) The department will evaluate the application based on the following criteria:
(a) impacts of the contest on the fish population of the host body of water, the aquatic ecosystem and the immediate area;
(b) compatibility of the contest with fisheries management objectives for the water;
(c) purse or participation limits (limits may or may not be imposed depending upon public comments received or potential conflict with other users) ;
(d) conflicts with other contests proposed for a body of water;
(e) compliance with contest rules, conditions or reporting requirements for previously sponsored contests;
(f) environmental conditions (such as relevant historic high water temperatures) and compatibility of check-in format with successful release of live fish for catch and release contests; and
(g) contest boundaries.
(2) The department will give public notice of all contests and provide an opportunity for public comment on each application.