WSR 23-03-058
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-03—Filed January 11, 2023, 1:33 p.m., effective January 12, 2023]
Effective Date of Rule: January 12, 2023.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close sturgeon retention in the Bonneville Pool.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000F; and amending WAC 220-312-060.
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 needed to close the recreational white sturgeon retention season in the Bonneville Reservoir. It is projected that the 2023 Bonneville Reservoir harvest guideline of 675 fish may be exceeded if the fishery were to continue beyond January 11. These populations are managed under sustainable harvest guidelines and this action will keep harvest within that guideline. This action is consistent with decisions made by the states of Washington and Oregon during Columbia River compact hearings on November 9, 2022, and January 10, 2023.
The general public welfare is protected with the immediate and limited duration opening of recreational sturgeon fishing. This limited harvest allows for public use of the resource, as well as the maintenance of a sustainable fish population. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: January 11, 2023.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000HFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Effective January 12 through April 30, 2023 the provisions of WAC 220-312-060, WAC 220-312-030, and WAC 220-316-010 regarding white sturgeon retention seasons from Bonneville Dam to John Day Dam are as follows. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060, WAC 220-316-010, and WAC 220-312-030 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
(1) From Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam, including adjacent tributaries:
(a) Effective immediately through April 30, 2023, sturgeon retention is prohibited.
(b) Catch and release angling for sturgeon is permissible on days not open to sturgeon retention.
(2) From The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam, including adjacent tributaries:
(a) Effective immediately through April 30, 2023, it is permissible to retain white sturgeon only on the following dates:
January 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30;
February 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; and
March 1, 4, 2023.
(b) Minimum fork length 43 inches. Maximum fork length 54 inches.
(c) Catch and release angling for sturgeon is permissible on days not open to sturgeon retention.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective January 12, 2023:
WAC 220-312-06000F | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River. (22-268) |