WSR 24-11-055
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-66—Filed May 13, 2024, 10:53 a.m., effective May 15, 2024]
Effective Date of Rule: May 15, 2024.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to close recreational salmon fishing in Marine Area 13 and the Skagit River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-04000E; 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: Preexisting Endangered Species Act (ESA) coverage for the effects of Puget Sound salmon fisheries expires on May 15, 2024. Federal ESA consultations on 2024-25 Puget Sound salmon fisheries are ongoing but are unlikely to be completed by May 15th. Marine Area 13 and Skagit River salmon fisheries are known to intercept ESA-listed Chinook in the May period. Accordingly, Marine Area 13 and Skagit River will temporarily close for salmon fishing starting May 15, 2024. Salmon fisheries will resume when ESA authorization is received for the proposed 2024-25 Puget Sound salmon fishing package.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: May 13, 2024.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-313-06000UPuget Sound salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits.
Effective May 15, 2024, until further notice, the following provisions of WAC 220-313-060 regarding salmon seasons for Catch Record Card Area 13 shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-313-060 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
Catch Record Card Area 13: Salmon: Closed.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective May 15, 2024:
WAC 220-312-04000E | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound. (24-59) |