WSR 16-23-003 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 16-300—Filed November 2, 2016, 3:06 p.m., effective November 2, 2016, 3:06 p.m.] Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend freshwater recreational fishing rules for the Green River.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-19000Z; 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: These river sections had been closed to coho retention after October 31, 2016, under a comanager agreement to protect coho salmon. The coho return is stronger than anticipated and can support continued recreational and tribal retention fisheries. Reopening the fishery will provide additional angling opportunity. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 2, 2016.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-19000Z Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-190, effective immediately through December 31, 2016, it is permissible to fish in waters of the Green River (King Co.) from the 1st Ave. South Bridge upstream to water pipeline walk bridge (1/2 mile downstream of Tacoma Headworks Dam). Unless otherwise amended all permanent rules remain in effect.
(1) Salmon: Daily limit six salmon, of which only three may be adults, minimum size 12 inches and release Chinook. Release all steelhead.
(2) Trout: Daily limit two, minimum size 14 inches.
(3) Other game fish: Statewide minimum size/daily limit.
(4) It is permissible to fish from a floating device.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective January 1, 2017:
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