WSR 23-17-104
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-167—Filed August 16, 2023, 4:48 p.m., effective August 18, 2023]
Effective Date of Rule: August 18, 2023.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open hatchery Chinook retention seasons in a portion of Catch Record Card Area 10.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-313-06000G; and 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: This emergency rule is necessary to open hatchery Chinook seasons in portions of Catch Record Card Area 10.
Catch estimates for the Catch Record Card Area 10 summer Chinook fishery indicate that through August 13, 2023, 63 percent of the harvest quota (2,235 of 3,566) and 80 percent of sublegal encounters (6,219 of 7,748) have been reached. The Washington department of fish and wildlife has determined there is sufficient quota to reopen for three additional days of Chinook retention during the 2023 summer season.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: August 16, 2023.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-313-06000HPuget Sound salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits.
Effective August 18 through October 31, 2023, salmon rules for Catch Record Card Area 10 shall be modified as described herein. All other provisions of WAC 220-313-060 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
(1) Catch Record Card Area 10, except; Elliott Bay, Shilshole Bay, Sinclair Inlet and Port Orchard, and Year-round piers (Seacrest Pier, Waterman Pier, Bremerton Boardwalk, and Illahee State Park Pier):
(a) Effective August 18 through August 20, 2023: Salmon daily limit 2 including no more than 1 hatchery Chinook and no more than 1 coho. Release wild Chinook and chum.
(b) Effective August 21 through September 30, 2023: Salmon daily limit 2 including no more than 1 coho. Release Chinook, chum.
(c) Effective October 1 through October 31, 2023: Salmon daily limit 2 including no more than 1 coho. Release Chinook.
(2) Elliott Bay (Waters of Elliott Bay east of a line from West Point to Alki Point and including Harbor Island (Duwamish Waterways)) except Seacrest Pier:
(a) Effective August 18 through September 30, 2023: Salmon daily limit 2 including no more than 1 coho. Release Chinook, chum.
(b) Effective October 1 through October 31, 2023: Salmon daily limit 2 including no more than 1 coho. Release Chinook.
(3) Shilshole Bay (Waters of Shilshole Bay southeast of a line from Meadow Point to West Point):
(a) Effective September 1 through September 30: Salmon daily limit 2 including no more than 1 coho. Release Chinook and chum.
(b) Effective October 1 through October 31: Salmon daily limit 2 including no more than 1 coho. Release Chinook.
(4) Sinclair Inlet (Waters of Sinclair Inlet and Port Orchard south of the Manette Bridge in Bremerton, south of a line drawn true west from Battle Point, and west of a line drawn true south from Point White):
(a) Effective August 18 through September 30, 2023: Salmon daily limit 3 including no more than 1 coho. Release wild Chinook and chum.
(b) Effective October 1 through October 31, 2023: Salmon daily limit 2 including no more than 1 coho. Release Chinook.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective August 18, 2023:
WAC 220-313-06000G | Puget Sound salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits. (23-160) |