WSR 20-12-013

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 20-88—Filed May 22, 2020, 5:13 p.m., effective May 26, 2020]

Effective Date of Rule: May 26, 2020.

Purpose: To reopen recreational fisheries in Marine Areas 1 through 3, effective May 26, 2020, which were previously closed due to the COVID-19 situation and to comply with Governor Inslee's statewide proclamation to "stay home, stay healthy." Reopening these recreational fisheries is consistent with the Governor's Proclamation amendment 20-25.2 for the partial reopening of outdoor recreational activities.

This rule returns coastal fisheries (Marine Areas 1 through 3) to permanent rules, unless otherwise amended. The recreational fisheries reopening under this emergency rule include coastal bottomfish, sturgeon, gamefish, forage fish, coastal and Columbia River crab, coastal shrimp, other coastal food fish and shellfish. All recreational fish and shellfish fisheries in Marine Area 4, and recreational clam, mussel, and oyster fisheries in Marine Areas 5 through 13 will remain closed until the expiration of this emergency rule or until further notice.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-16000A, 220-310-08000B, 220-313-07000V, 220-314-02000F, 220-316-01000A, 220-330-01000G and 220-330-01000H; and amending WAC 220-330-010.

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 rule is needed to reopen coastal recreational fishing opportunities in Marine Areas 1 through 3, as well as crab harvest in the Columbia River, effective May 26, 2020, pursuant to the Governor's Proclamation amendment 20-25.2, issued April 27, 2020, indicating that recreational activities including fishing may resume, when and where permitted. In addition, these openings have been coordinated with local and state health officials.

The governor's proclamation amendment also includes requirements to exclude gatherings with people who are not members of the same household and maintain social distancing for the continued protection of public health and safety. The fishery openings considered that requirement as a basis for the decision to reopen fisheries, but do not incorporate those social distance elements within the regulations themselves. While not imposed in the Washington department of fish and wildlife's fishery rules, they are and remain, a requirement of the governor's proclamation. Failure to abide by those social distance requirements could result in increased health risks requiring future fishery closures.

Puget Sound (Marine Areas 5 through 13) clam, oyster, and mussel seasons will remain closed until further notice, or until the rule expires on July 23, 2020, due to concerns of local and state health authorities and the lack of ability for appropriate monitoring because of COVID-19 restraints.

All recreational fish and shellfish fisheries in Marine Area 4 remain closed until further notice, or until the rule expires on July 23, 2020, due to concerns of local and state health authorities.

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 7.

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: May 22, 2020.

Kelly Susewind

Director

The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective immediately:

The following sections of the Washington Administrative Code are repealed effective 12:01 a.m., May 26, 2020: