WSR 17-17-068
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 17-198Filed August 14, 2017, 3:27 p.m., effective August 18, 2017, 4:02 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: August 18, 2017, 4:02 a.m.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules in the Entiat River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-05000Q; and amending WAC 220-312-050.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.12.045, 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: This emergency rule is necessary because summer Chinook salmon are not native to the Entiat River. Their presence is the result of smolt releases from the Entiat National Fish Hatchery. Returns of summer Chinook salmon (adipose clipped and unclipped) are currently in excess of hatchery broodstock needs. Removal of the mark selective fishery rules will expand harvest opportunities to anglers while reducing impacts related to spawning between summer and Endangered Species Act listed native spring Chinook. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: August 14, 2017.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000Q Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesEastside.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-050,
Entiat River – Effective 4:02 A.M. August 18 through September 30, 2017, open for salmon from the mouth (railroad bridge) to boundary marker(s) located approximately 1500 feet upstream of the Upper Roaring Creek Road Bridge (Immediately downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery):
Retention of un-clipped Chinook as part of the salmon daily limit is allowed.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective October 1, 2017:
WAC 220-312-05000Q
Freshwater exceptions to statewide rulesEastside.