WSR 23-22-025
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-234—Filed October 20, 2023, 3:03 p.m., effective October 23, 2023]
Effective Date of Rule: October 23, 2023.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to increase the adult hatchery coho portion of the salmon daily limit in Satsop River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-020.
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 needed to increase the adult hatchery coho portion of the salmon daily limit in the Satsop River.
Broodstock collection at the Bingham Creek hatchery has exceeded needs for production goals. To date, over 10,000 coho have entered the Bingham Creek hatchery.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 20, 2023.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000EFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Effective October 23 through December 31, 2023, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-020, regarding recreational salmon seasons for the Satsop River shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-020 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
Satsop River and East Fork (Grays Harbor Co.):
(a) From mouth to bridge at Schafer State Park:
(i) Effective October 23 through November 30, 2023: Salmon: Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults including no more than 2 salmon other than hatchery coho may be retained. Release adult Chinook.
(ii) Effective December 1 through December 31, 2023: Salmon: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 salmon other than hatchery coho may be retained. Release Chinook.
(b) From 400 feet below Bingham Creek Hatchery dam to the dam:
(i) Effective October 23 through November 30, 2023: Salmon: Daily limit 6. Up to 3 adults including no more than 2 salmon other than hatchery coho may be retained. Release adult Chinook.
(ii) Effective December 1 through December 31, 2023: Salmon: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 salmon other than hatchery coho may be retained. Release Chinook.