WSR 22-23-160
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 22-276—Filed November 22, 2022, 4:58 p.m., effective November 23, 2022]
Effective Date of Rule: November 23, 2022.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open coho harvest seasons in the Stillaguamish River.
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: Salmon fishing closures are no longer necessary to protect Chinook salmon, as they have finished spawning and are no longer present in the system. Coho returns are sufficient to allow for this limited fishery. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: November 22, 2022.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000AFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective November 23 through November 30, 2022, salmon fishing seasons within the Stillaguamish River shall be as described herein. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040, not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
Stillaguamish River (Snohomish County); from Marine Drive to forks:
Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than coho.