WSR 22-23-140

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 22-275—Filed November 21, 2022, 1:13 p.m., effective November 22, 2022]

Effective Date of Rule: November 22, 2022.

Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open commercial gillnet and beach seine fisheries in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Area 12C.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-354-160 and 220-354-210.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047.

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 rule is necessary to add openings for commercial gillnet and beach seine fisheries targeting chum salmon in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Area 12C Hoodsport Hatchery Zone. The latest in-season runsize estimate for Hood Canal chum salmon, based on commercial fishery information, suggests the chum return is large enough to allow for these openings. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 2, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: November 21, 2022.

Amy H. Windrope

for Kelly Susewind

Director