WSR 13-08-048

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Order 13-56 -- Filed March 28, 2013, 5:07 a.m. , effective March 28, 2013, 5:07 a.m. ]


     Effective Date of Rule: Immediately.

     Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 232-28-619.

     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: The fish and wildlife commission, on March 3, 2013, approved sport fishing proposal #54, "Open a trout fishery from the mouth to Highway 536 (Memorial Bridge) from March 28 through May 31. Anglers must use hooks with a 1/2-inch gap (approximately a size 2 hook) and follow selective gear rules." This emergency regulation is necessary to open this fishery, as the 2013-2014 pamphlet will not go into effect until May 1, 2013.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: March 28, 2013.

Philip Anderson

Director


NEW SECTION
WAC 232-28-61900E   Exceptions to statewide rules -- Skagit River.   Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-28-619, effective March 28 through May 31, 2013, it is permissible to fish for gamefish in waters of the Skagit River from the mouth to Highway 536 at Mt. Vernon (Memorial Highway). Selective gear rules are in effect; maximum hook size of 1/2-inch gap allowed. Catch and release, except that trout minimum size is 14 inches, with a daily limit 2. Dolly Varden/Bull trout minimum size is 20 inches and may be retained as part of the trout daily limit.

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