WSR 23-15-101

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[Order 23-131—Filed July 18, 2023, 3:46 p.m., effective July 26, 2023]

Effective Date of Rule: July 26, 2023.

Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open recreational sockeye seasons for Lake Wenatchee and expand the area open for salmon for the Entiat River.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-050.

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 open sockeye salmon seasons in Lake Wenatchee. Based on current sockeye passage analysis at Tumwater Dam and mainstem Columbia River Dams, the Washington department of fish and wildlife projects a surplus of harvestable sockeye destined for Lake Wenatchee, well above the natural spawning escapement goal of 23,000 fish. This fishery will be monitored closely and may close on short notice depending upon angler participation and harvest rates.

This rule is also needed to expand the area open to salmon fishing for the Entiat River. Entiat River hatchery Chinook returns indicate that hatchery broodstock needs will be met and that a harvestable surplus of hatchery Chinook exists in the river. Expanding the area open for salmon fishing will increase harvest opportunity for anglers.

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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: July 18, 2023.

Kelly Susewind

Director