WSR 21-20-020
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-210—Filed September 23, 2021, 5:04 p.m., effective September 23, 2021, 5:04 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to correct WSR 21-19-079 in order to open salmon seasons in the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Wells Dam.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000Y; 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 emergency rule is needed to open coho retention seasons in the Icicle River and upper Columbia River (UCR) from Priest Rapids Dam to Wells Dam. It corrects WSR 21-19-079, filed September 15, 2021. That rule intended to open salmon seasons from Priest Rapids Dam upstream to Wells Dam, but instead, stopped at Rocky Reach Dam.
Through September 12, 2021, the approximately 113,000 coho that have passed over Bonneville Dam is the second highest count on record. The estimated number of UCR-bound coho is currently at about 30,000 fish. At this abundance there is sufficient fish to meet spawner escapement and broodstock needs and provide for sport angler harvest. Expected returns of UCR-bound coho salmon are sufficient to provide for sport angler harvest.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 23, 2021.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000BFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia
Effective immediately, through October 15, 2020, provisions of WAC 220-312-060 and 220-220-160 regarding Columbia River salmon seasons from Priest Rapid Dam upstream are modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 and WAC 220-220-160 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
(1) From Priest Rapids Dam to Rock Island Dam: Salmon:
Effective immediately, through October 15, 2021: Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adult Chinook and up to 4 coho may be retained. Release sockeye.
(2) From Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam: Salmon:
Effective immediately, through October 15, 2021: Daily limit is 6; of which, up to 2 adult hatchery Chinook and up to 4 coho may be retained. Release wild adult Chinook and sockeye.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective immediately:
WAC 220-312-06000Y | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia |