WSR 18-20-019
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 18-256—Filed September 21, 2018, 2:38 p.m., effective September 21, 2018, 2:38 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend commercial salmon rules for Puget Sound.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-313-07000J; and amending WAC 220-354-120 and 220-354-160.
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 needed to close commercial salmon fisheries in Catch Reporting Area 8A in order to meet objectives for Snohomish River natural coho escapement. Landed catch of coho for this area has already exceeded preseason forecasted levels of harvest. WAC 220-313-07000J is being repealed as a housekeeping matter to fully implement Willapa Bay recreational salmon rules filed on September 20. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 2, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 21, 2018.
Joe Stohr
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-354-12000EPuget Sound salmon—Purse seine—Open periods.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-354-120, effective immediately until further notice, it is unlawful to take, fish for, or possess salmon taken for commercial purposes in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas except in accordance with the open periods, mesh size, areas, species restrictions, notification, and landing requirements set forth in this section, provided that unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect: Catch Reporting Area 8A closed to Purse seine fishing September 24, 2018.
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-354-16000FPuget Sound salmon—Gillnet—Open periods.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-354-160, effective immediately until further notice, it is unlawful to take, fish for, or possess salmon taken for commercial purposes in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas except in accordance with the open periods, mesh size, areas, species restrictions, notification, and landing requirements set forth in this section, provided that unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect: Catch Reporting Area 8A closed to Gillnet fishing September 25 and September 27, 2018.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective September 22, 2018:
WAC 220-313-07000J | Coastal salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits. (18-224) |