WSR 21-15-055
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-115—Filed July 15, 2021, 12:07 p.m., effective July 17, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: July 17, 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open retention seasons for sockeye salmon in Baker Lake.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-040.
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 open seasons for sockeye salmon in Baker Lake. The 2021 Baker Lake sockeye preseason forecast is sufficient to allow for a targeted harvest season and harvestable numbers of sockeye have been transported to Baker Lake.
The Washington department of fish and wildlife plans to closely monitor the fishery to ensure lake escapement goals are met. This fishery may close early if fishery monitoring data indicates the sockeye escapement goal to the lake is threatened. The lake escapement goal is one thousand five hundred sockeye to spawn naturally in the lake and tributaries.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 12, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000GFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective July 17 through August 31, 2021, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-040, regarding recreational salmon seasons fishing for Baker Lake, shall be as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
Baker Lake (Whatcom Co.): Salmon:
(a) Daily limit 2 sockeye only. Minimum size 18 inches.
(b) Each angler aboard a vessel may deploy salmon angling gear until the daily salmon limit for all anglers aboard has been achieved.