WSR 22-23-016
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 22-263—Filed November 3, 2022, 2:15 p.m., effective November 3, 2022, 2:15 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open additional recreational coho seasons in the Snohomish River system.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000W; 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: This action is necessary to extend recreational coho fisheries in the Snohomish, Skykomish, and Snoqualmie rivers. In-season observations indicate Snohomish River system spawning escapement remains on track to exceed target goals. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: November 3, 2022.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000XFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective immediately, through November 13, 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.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective immediately:
WAC 220-312-04000W | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. (22-256) |