WSR 12-15-042

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Order 12-144 -- Filed July 13, 2012, 11:27 a.m. , effective July 16, 2012, 12:01 a.m. ]


     Effective Date of Rule: July 16, 2012, 12:01 a.m.

     Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 232-28-62000M; and amending WAC 232-28-620.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.12.047 and 77.04.020.

     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: Chinook catch rates have been higher than expected. Reduction in the chinook daily limit is needed to ensure the coastal salmon fishery meets the season objectives. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: July 13, 2012.

David Giglio

for Philip Anderson

Director


NEW SECTION
WAC 232-28-62000N   Coastal salmon -- Saltwater seasons and daily limits.   Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-28-620, effective immediately until further notice, it is unlawful to violate the provisions below. Unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect:

     (1) Catch Record Card Area 1:

     (a) Open until further notice - Daily limit of 2 salmon, of which not more than one may be a Chinook salmon. Release wild coho.

     (b) Closed in the Columbia River Mouth Control Zone 1 during all open periods. See WAC 220-56-195.

     (2) Catch Record Card Area 2:

     (a) Open until further notice - Open Sundays through Thursdays only. Daily limit 2 salmon, of which not more than one may be a Chinook salmon. Release wild coho.

     (b) Open until further notice - Grays Harbor Control Zone, described in WAC 220-56-195(11) - Open concurrent with Area 2 when Area 2 is open for salmon angling. Area 2 rules apply.

     (3) Willapa Bay (Catch Record Card Area 2-1):

     (a) Immediately through July 31, open concurrent with Area 2 when Area 2 is open for salmon angling. Area 2 rules apply.

     (b) Open August 1 until further notice - Daily limit of six salmon, not more than three of which may be adult salmon. Release chum and wild Chinook. Anglers in possession of a valid two-pole endorsement may use up to two lines while fishing.

     (4) Grays Harbor (Catch Record Card Area 2-2 west of the Buoy 13 line)

     (a) Immediately until further notice - Open concurrent with Area 2 when Area 2 is open for salmon angling. Area 2 rules apply.

     (5) Catch Record Area 3:

     (a) Open until further notice - Daily limit of 2 salmon. Release wild coho.

     (6) Catch Record Card Area 4:         

     (a) Open July 16 until further notice - Daily limit of 2 salmon, of which only one may be a Chinook salmon. Release wild coho salmon.

     Waters east of a true north-south line through Sail Rock closed through July 31.

     Release Chinook salmon caught east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line beginning August 1.

     Release chum salmon beginning August 1.

[]


REPEALER


     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed 12:01 a.m. July 16, 2012:


WAC 232-28-62000M Coastal salmon -- Saltwater seasons and daily limits. (12-69)

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office