WSR 19-24-030
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 19-296—Filed November 25, 2019, 11:22 a.m., effective November 25, 2019, 11:22 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend recreational salmon rules for the Quillayute River and its tributaries.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-02000Y; and amending WAC 220-312-020.
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 to require wild coho release in salmon fisheries of the Quillayute River and its tributaries. Early season abundance indicators confirm the returning Quillayute River wild coho salmon run is below harvestable levels while hatchery coho escapement goals have been reached. A majority of natural origin coho have now cleared the fishing area. As planned, Washington department of fish and wildlife is reopening these areas to target other species. Rules requiring the release of wild coho are being put in place to allow more fish to reach the spawning grounds in order to meet wild escapement goals. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: November 22, 2019.
Nate Pamplin
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000YFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-020, effective immediately through November 30, 2019:
1) Quillayute River, from Olympic National Park Boundary upstream to confluence of Bogachiel and Sol Duc rivers; salmon:
Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a wild Chinook. Release sockeye and wild coho.
2) Sol Duc River, from mouth to the concrete pump station at Sol Duc Hatchery; salmon:
Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults may be retained, of which up to 1 may be a wild Chinook. Release sockeye and wild coho.
3) Dickey River, from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to the confluence of the East and West Forks:
Daily limit 3. Up to 1 adult may be retained. Release wild coho.
4) Bogachiel River, from mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge:
Daily limit 3. Up to 1 adult may be retained. Release wild coho.
5) Calawah River, from mouth to Hwy. 101 Bridge:
Daily limit 3. Up to 1 adult may be retained. Release wild coho.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective December 1, 2019:
WAC 220-312-02000Y | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast. |