WSR 23-16-055
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-142—Filed July 26, 2023, 9:55 a.m., effective August 1, 2023]
Effective Date of Rule: August 1, 2023.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open a sockeye fishery in a portion of the Wenatchee River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-050.
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: 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. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 26, 2023.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-05000GFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Eastside.
Effective August 1 through September 30, 2023, the provisions of WAC 220-312-050 regarding recreational salmon seasons in the Wenatchee River, shall be modified during the dates listed and as described below. All provisions of WAC 220-312-050 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
Wenatchee River (Chelan County): Salmon:
(a) Min. size 12". Daily limit 6, including no more than 2 adult hatchery Chinook and no more than 4 sockeye. Release coho and wild adult Chinook.
(b) Night closure in effect.
(c) Selective gear rules in effect, except bait is allowed.