WSR 04-01-190

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Order 03-316 -- Filed December 23, 2003, 3:43 p.m. , effective January 1, 2004, 6:00 a.m. ]


     Date Adopted: December 22, 2003.

     Purpose: Amend personal use fishing rules.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-56-27000R; and amending WAC 220-56-270.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047.

     Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.

     Reasons for this Finding: The smelt fishery regulations are consistent with Level 3 fisheries in the "Washington and Oregon Eulachon Management Plan" for the Columbia River. Improved ocean conditions are expected to benefit smelt returns. Abundance in 2004 is expected to be strong and consistent with Level 3 fisheries. There is insufficient time to promulgate permanent regulations.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Effective Date of Rule: January 1, 2004, 6:00 a.m.

December 22, 2003

B. J. Bjork

for Jeff Koenings

Director


NEW SECTION
WAC 220-56-27000R   Smelt -- Areas and seasons   Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-56-270, WAC 220-56-240, WAC 220-56-275, effective January 1, 2004 through March 31, 2004, it is unlawful to fish for or possess smelt in those waters of the Columbia River and tributaries except under the following provisions:

     1) Area: Mainstem Columbia River below Bonneville Dam

     Dates: Open 7 days/week

     Hours: 24 hours per day

     Daily limit: 20 pounds

     Gear: Dipnets

     2) Area: Washington Columbia River tributaries

     Dates: Open 7 days/week

     Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily

     Daily limit: 20 pounds

     Gear: Dipnets

[]


REPEALER

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective 10:01 p.m. March 31, 2004:


WAC 220-56-27000R Smelt--Areas and seasons.