WSR 16-13-084 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 16-145—Filed June 15, 2016, 11:23 a.m., effective July 1, 2016] Effective Date of Rule: July 1, 2016.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for the Columbia River.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-20000S; and amending WAC 220-310-200.
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 preseason forecast for Okanogan sockeye salmon is only about forty thousand fish returning to the Columbia River mouth. This run abundance is insufficient to support sockeye harvest in the upper Columbia River and meet spawning escapement goals in the Canadian Okanogan basin. Achieving a successful sockeye spawn in 2016 is extremely important following the massive mortality and poor spawning escapement of upper Columbia sockeye caused by the drought and high water temperatures in 2015. These changes were proposed and discussed during the North of Falcon salmon season rule setting public meeting and are interim until permanent rules take effect. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: June 15, 2016.
James B. Scott, Jr.
for J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-20000S Exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-200, Effective July 1 through August 31, 2016, it is permissible to fish for salmon in waters of the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Chief Joseph Dam, Chelan River, Okanogan River, and Similkameen River. Daily limit of four salmon, of which no more than two may be adult hatchery Chinook. Release wild adult Chinook and sockeye.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective September 1, 2016:
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