WSR 16-07-037 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 16-45—Filed March 10, 2016, 4:06 p.m., effective March 10, 2016, 4:06 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for Puget Sound salmon.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 232-28-62100Y and 232-28-62100Z; and amending WAC 232-28-621.
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: An emergency rule is needed to close salmon fishing in Marine Area 7 as Washington department of fish and wildlife and tribal comanagers agreed to a limited number of Chinook encounters (retaining or releasing fish) that anglers are allowed in Marine Area 7. Preliminary estimates indicate that anglers have reached one hundred five percent of those encounters. An emergency rule is needed to close salmon fishing in Marine Area 7 to comply with conservation objectives and agreed-to management plans. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 2.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 10, 2016.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 232-28-62100Z Puget Sound salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-28-621, effective immediately through April 30, 2016, it is unlawful to violate the provisions below. Unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect.
(1) Catch Record Card Area 6:
(a) Effective immediately through March 11 and March 19 through April 10, it is unlawful to fish for salmon.
(b) March 12 through March 18, daily limit of 2 salmon, no more than 1 Chinook. Release wild Chinook.
(2) Catch Record Card Area 7:
(a) March 12 through March 13, daily limit of 2 salmon, no more than 1 Chinook. Release wild Chinook.
(b) March 14 through April 30, it is unlawful to fish for salmon.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective May 1, 2016:
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