WSR 19-23-031

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 19-283—Filed November 8, 2019, 5:18 p.m., effective November 11, 2019]

Effective Date of Rule: November 11, 2019.

Purpose: Amend commercial salmon fishing rules for Willapa Bay.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-354-250.

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 needed to close the commercial fishery in Willapa Bay Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas 2N, 2M, 2T, 2U and 2R. Natural coho salmon returning to tributaries of Willapa Bay have been significantly lower than preseason predictions. Managers will continue to assess coho returns and reopen if warranted. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 8, 2019.

Amy H. Windrope

for Kelly Susewind

Director