WSR 21-22-018
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-236—Filed October 22, 2021, 12:19 p.m., effective October 22, 2021, 12:19 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to extend recreational salmon seasons for Skagit and Cascade rivers.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000U; and 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: The Skagit River coho return is greater than forecast and allows for the recreational coho season to extend through December 31. The extended opportunity only applies to coho salmon. All other salmon species must be released. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 22, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000VFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective immediately, through December 31, 2021 recreational fishing seasons for the Skagit River and Cascade River, shall be modified as follows, during dates listed below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:
(1) Skagit River (Skagit County):
(a) From mouth to Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge): Recreational salmon fishing is open immediately through December 31, except in areas and times listed in subsection (1) (a) of this rule.
(i) Daily limit of 2 coho. Release all salmon other than coho.
(ii) Night Closure in effect.
(2) Cascade River (Skagit County): From the mouth to Rockport-Cascade Road Bridge:
Recreational salmon fishing is open immediately, through November 30, 2021, seven days per week:
(a) Daily limit 4. Release all salmon other than coho.
(b) Night Closure in effect.
(c) Anti-snagging Rule in effect.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 220-312-04000U | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. (21-234) |