WSR 21-03-002
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-04—Filed January 6, 2021, 4:19 p.m., effective January 8, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: January 8, 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close recreational sturgeon retention seasons in the Columbia River from Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000F; and amending WAC 220-312-060.
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 close white sturgeon retention in Bonneville Pool. Catches in the first week of fishing were much higher than expected. Creel data indicates harvest has surpassed the quota of five hundred sturgeon. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent regulations.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: January 6, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000GFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Effective January 8, 2021, until further notice, the provisions of WAC 220-312-060 regarding white sturgeon retention seasons from Bonneville Dam to John Day Dam are as follows. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
(1) From Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam:Sturgeon retention is prohibited.
(2) From The Dalles Dam to John Day Dam: Sturgeon retention is prohibited.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective January 8, 2021:
WAC 220-312-06000F | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River. (21-01) |