WSR 15-24-055
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 15-433—Filed November 23, 2015, 4:22 p.m., effective November 24, 2015]
Effective Date of Rule: November 24, 2015.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-18000K; and amending WAC 220-310-180.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, and 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: Wild coho in the Hoh River require additional protection. The daily limit was reduced preseason for these rivers in anticipation of a weak return of wild coho, but indicators are showing the run is still returning at a lower level than forecast preseason. The Hoh Tribe has closed their fishery until the end of November, and in combination with this sport closure, these actions will result in additional wild coho spawning. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: November 23, 2015.
James B. Scott Jr.
for J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-18000K Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesCoast.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-180, effective November 24 through November 30, 2015, it is unlawful to fish in those waters of the Hoh River outside the Olympic National Park.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective December 1, 2015:
WAC 220-310-18000K
Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesCoast.