WSR 16-21-031 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 16-277—Filed October 10, 2016, 4:19 p.m., effective October 11, 2016] Effective Date of Rule: October 11, 2016.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for the Snohomish, Skykomish, and Wallace rivers.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-19000V; and amending WAC 220-310-190.
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 rivers were originally closed to all fishing under a state and tribal comanager agreement to protect coho salmon. The comanagers agree that the coho return is strong enough to support limited sport and tribal fisheries. Opening the rivers for fishing will provide additional angling opportunity. The comanagers will continue to monitor this fishery and may make adjustments in the coming weeks. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 10, 2016.
Joe Stohr
for J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-19000V Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-190, effective October 11 through October 31, 2016, it is permissible to fish for salmon in the waters of the Snohomish River from the mouth (Burlington-Northern Railroad bridges) (including all channels, sloughs, and interconnected waterways, but excluding all tributaries) upstream to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers (all channels), the Skykomish from the mouth upstream to confluence of the Wallace River and the Wallace River upstream to 200' upstream of the water intake for the salmon hatchery. The following rules apply:
(1) Salmon: Daily limit 2 coho, minimum size 12 inches. All species other than coho must be released.
(2) Night closure and anti-snagging rules are in effect.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective November 1, 2016:
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