WSR 23-17-090
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-166—Filed August 15, 2023, 3:20 p.m., effective August 20, 2023]
Effective Date of Rule: August 20, 2023.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to modify commercial salmon seasons in Willapa Bay Areas 2M and 2R on August 20 and 25, 2023.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-354-250.
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 emergency rule is needed to open the commercial fishery in Willapa Bay Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas 2M and 2R on August 20, 2023, and close commercial salmon Areas 2M and 2R on August 25, 2023. There was an error in the original filing, and the emergency rule is needed to align the preseason Willapa Bay TAMM model with the commercial schedule. Managers will continue to assess the fishery each opener and make any changes if warranted. All other rules remain in effect. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rule.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: August 15, 2023.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-254-25000FWillapa Bay salmon fall fishery.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-354-250, the following seasons for Willapa Bay commercial salmon areas 2M and 2R on August 20 and August 25, 2023, shall be modified as stated herein. All other provisions of WAC 220-354-250, not contained herein remain in effect unless otherwise altered by emergency rule:
Gillnet gear may used to fish for coho salmon, chum salmon, and Chinook salmon for dates and times listed in the table below:
Area | Time | Date | Maximum Mesh Size |
2M, 2R | 6:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. | August 20, 2023 | 4.25" |
2M, 2R | CLOSED | August 25, 2023 | |