WSR 23-16-032
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-138—Filed July 21, 2023, 10:29 a.m., effective July 21, 2023, 10:29 a.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to raise the Chinook daily limit in Catch Record Card Area 5.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-313-060.
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: The Marine Area 5 summer Chinook fishery has reached 34 percent of the total legal encounters (2,497 of 7,254) agreed to in this year's list of agreed fisheries. Catch and effort have slowed in Marine Area 5 after high catch during the opening weekend, allowing for increased retention for the remainder of the season. There is insufficient time to file 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 21, 2023.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-313-06000APuget Sound Salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits.
Effective immediately, through August 15, 2023, the following provisions of WAC 220-313-060 regarding salmon seasons for Marine Area 5 shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-313-060 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
Catch Record Card Area 5: Salmon: Daily limit 2. Release wild Chinook, wild coho, and chum.