WSR 23-22-101
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-240—Filed October 30, 2023, 5:07 p.m., effective November 1, 2023]
Effective Date of Rule: November 1, 2023.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to reduce the salmon daily limits for Bogachiel, Calawah, Dickey, Hoh, Quillayute, and Sol Duc rivers.
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 reduce the salmon daily limit for Bogachiel, Calawah, Dickey, Hoh, Quillayute, and Sol Duc rivers.
In-season data indicate that Chinook and coho salmon are returning to the Quillayute watershed and Hoh River below preseason forecasts. This action is necessary to meet conservation guidelines and minimum spawner escapement goals.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 30, 2023.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000FFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Effective November 1 through December 15, 2023, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-020, regarding all salmon daily limits for Bogachiel, Calawah, Dickey, Hoh, Quillayute, and Sol Duc rivers 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:
(1) Bogachiel River (Clallam Co.), from mouth to Hwy 101 Bridge:
November 1 through December 15: Salmon: Daily limit 1. Release sockeye.
(2) Calawah River (Clallam Co.), from the mouth to Hwy 101 Bridge:
November 1 through December 15: Salmon: Daily limit 1. Release sockeye.
(3) Dickey River (Clallam Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to the confluence of the East and West Forks:
November 1 through December 15: Salmon: Daily limit 1. Release sockeye.
(4) Hoh River (Jefferson Co.), from the Olympic National Park boundary upstream to Morgans Crossing boat launch:
(a) November 1 through November 30: Salmon: Daily limit 1.
(b) December 1 through December 31: Salmon: Daily limit 1. Release all salmon other than coho.
(5) Quillayute River (Clallam Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to confluence of Sol Duc and Bogachiel rivers:
November 1 through December 15: Salmon: Daily limit 1. Release sockeye.
(6) Sol Duc River (Clallam Co.), from mouth to the concrete pump station at Sol Duc Hatchery:
November 1 through December 15: Salmon: Daily limit 1. Release sockeye.