WSR 21-15-073
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-121—Filed July 16, 2021, 12:11 p.m., effective July 19, 2021]
Effective Date of Rule: July 19, 2021.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close Chinook retention in Marine Area 5.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-313-060.
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: The current estimate of total legal-sized Chinook encounters through July 15 is 5,894 (seventy-eight percent) of the total 7,565 legal-sized encounters agreed up in this year's list of agreed fisheries. Because of the high number of encounters this early in the season, Chinook retention will be suspended. Encounter estimates will be updated again after Chinook retention ends, and staff will reevaluate and determine the best course of action for the remainder of the season. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 16, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-313-06000FPuget Sound salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits.
Effective July 19 through August 15, 2021, the following provisions of WAC 220-313-060 regarding salmon seasons for Marine Area 5 shall be as described herein. All other provisions of WAC 220-313-060 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect: Salmon:
(a) Daily limit 2.
(b) Release chum, Chinook, and wild coho.