WSR 22-22-064
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 22-256—Filed October 28, 2022, 3:13 p.m., effective October 29, 2022]
Effective Date of Rule: October 29, 2022.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open recreational coho seasons in the Snohomish River system.
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 action is necessary to open recreational coho fisheries in the Snohomish, Skykomish, and Snoqualmie rivers. In-season observations indicate Snohomish River system spawning escapement is predicted to exceed the target goal of 46,000 fish. Current estimates predict approximately 53,000 to 62,000 coho to return to the spawning grounds. At such numbers, a recreational harvest fishery is warranted.
Fishery managers will continue to monitor Snohomish system coho returns; seasons will be adjusted accordingly. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 28, 2022.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000WFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective October 29 through November 6, 2022, provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding salmon seasons for Snohomish, Skykomish, and Snoqualmie rivers 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:
(1) Skykomish River (Snohomish Co.): From the mouth to confluence of North and South Forks:
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.
(2) Snohomish River (Snohomish Co.): From the mouth (Burlington-Northern RR bridges)(including all channels, sloughs, and interconnected waterways, but excluding all tributaries) to confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers (all channels):
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.
(3) Snoqualmie River (King/Snohomish Co.): From the mouth to Snoqualmie Falls:
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.