[Order 21-12—Filed February 11, 2021, 3:03 p.m., effective February 11, 2021, 3:03 p.m.]

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.

Purpose: The purpose of this rule making is to provide for treaty Indian fishing opportunity in the Columbia River while protecting salmon listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This rule making implements federal court orders governing Washington's relationship with treaty Indian tribes and federal law governing Washington's relationship with Oregon.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-359-02000K; and amending WAC 220-359-020.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.04.130, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.

Other Authority: United States v. Oregon, Civil No. 68-513-KI (D. Or.), Order Adopting 2018-2027 United States v. Oregon Management Agreement (February 26, 2018) (Doc. No. 2607-1). Northwest Gillnetters Ass'n v. Sandison, 95 Wn.2d 638, 628 P.2d 800 (1981); Washington fish and wildlife commission policies concerning Columbia River fisheries; 40 Stat. 515 (Columbia River Compact).

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 consistent with actions of Columbia River Compact on February 11, 2021. Conforms state rules with tribal rules. There is insufficient time to promulgate permanent regulations.

The Yakama, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Nez Perce Indian tribes have treaty fishing rights in the Columbia River and inherent sovereign authority to regulate their fisheries. Washington and Oregon also have some authority to regulate fishing by treaty Indians in the Columbia River, authority that the states exercise jointly under the congressionally ratified Columbia River Compact. Sohappy v. Smith, 302 F. Supp. 899 (D. Or. 1969). The tribes and the states adopt parallel regulations for treaty Indian fisheries under the supervision of the federal courts. A court order sets the current parameters. United States v. Oregon, Civil No. 68-513-KI (D. Or.), Order Adopting 2018-2027 United States v. Oregon Management Agreement (February 26, 2018) (Doc. No. 2607-1). Some salmon and steelhead stocks in the Columbia River are listed as threatened or endangered under the federal ESA. On February 23, 2018, the National Marine Fisheries Service issued a biological opinion under 16 U.S.C. § 1536 that allows for some incidental take of these species in the fisheries as described in the 2018-2027 U.S. v. Oregon Management Agreement.

Columbia River fisheries are monitored very closely to ensure consistency with court orders and ESA guidelines. Because conditions change rapidly, the fisheries are managed almost exclusively by emergency rule. As required by court order, the Washington (WDFW) and Oregon (ODFW) departments of fish and wildlife convene public hearings and invite tribal participation when considering proposals for new emergency rules affecting treaty fishing rights. Sohappy, 302 F. Supp. at 912. WDFW and ODFW then adopt regulations reflecting agreements reached.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1; Federal Rules or Standards: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.

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: February 11, 2021.

WAC 220-359-02000LColumbia River salmon seasons above Bonneville Dam.

Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-359-010, WAC 220-359-020, WAC 220-359-030, and WAC 220-359-090, it is unlawful for a person to take or possess salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, shad, carp, catfish, walleye, bass, or yellow perch taken for commercial purposes in Columbia River Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas 1F, 1G, and 1H. However, those individuals possessing treaty fishing rights under the Yakima, Warm Springs, Umatilla, and Nez Perce treaties may fish for salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, shad, carp, catfish, walleye, bass, or yellow perch under the following provisions:

(1) Open Areas: SMCRA 1H (John Day pool only)

(a) Season: 6 AM Friday, February 12, 2021 to 6 PM Monday, February 15, 2021

(b) Gear: Gillnets with no minimum mesh size restriction.

(c) Allowable sale: Salmon (any species), steelhead, shad, yellow perch, bass, walleye, catfish, and carp may be sold or retained for subsistence. Sturgeon from 43 to 54 inches fork length in John Day pool may be sold or kept for subsistence purposes.

(d) Standard river mouth and dam sanctuary closures remain in place for this gear.

(2) Open Areas: SMCRA 1F, 1G, 1H (Zone 6)

(a) Season: Immediately to 6 PM Friday, March 19, 2021.

(b) Gear: Hoop nets/bag nets, dip nets, and rod and reel with hook and line.

(c) Allowable sale: Salmon (any species), steelhead, shad, yellow perch, bass, walleye, catfish, and carp may be sold or retained for subsistence. Sturgeon from 38 to 54 inches fork length in the Bonneville Pool and sturgeon from 43 to 54 inches fork length in The Dalles and John Day Pools may be sold or kept for subsistence purposes. Sturgeon within the legal-size limit and caught in the platform and hook and line fishery may only be sold if caught during the open period and open pool of an open gillnet fishery.

(d) Standard river mouth and dam sanctuary closures remain in place for this gear.

(3) 24-hour quick reporting is required for Washington wholesale dealers for all areas as provided in WAC 220-352-315, except that all landings from treaty fisheries described above must be reported within 24-hours of completing the fish ticket (not 24-hours after the period concludes).

(4) Fish caught during the open period may be sold after the period concludes.

The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:

Columbia River salmon seasons above Bonneville Dam. (21-08)