[Order 24-74—Filed May 21, 2024, 3:54 p.m., effective May 21, 2024, 3:54 p.m.]

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.

Purpose: This emergency rule is needed to open recreational salmon seasons targeting hatchery Chinook in a portion of Skagit River and salmon seasons in Catch Record Card Area 13.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-313-06000U; and amending WAC 220-312-040.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.12.045, and 77.12.047

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: Federal Endangered Species Act consultations on 2024-25 Puget Sound salmon fisheries have been completed (NMFS Consultation #WCRO-2024-00942), and a biological opinion and incidental take statement have been issued. Accordingly, Marine Area 13 (by repealer), Skagit River, and Cascade River salmon fisheries can be reopened consistent with preseason fishing plans.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 21, 2024.

WAC 220-312-04000HFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.

Effective immediately, through July 15, 2024, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-040 and WAC 220-220-160 regarding salmon seasons and two-pole fishing for the Skagit River from the Hwy. 536 Bridge in Mt. Vernon to Gilligan Creek, shall be as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 and WAC 220-220-160 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended, remain in effect:

(1) Cascade River (Skagit Co.); from mouth to Rockport-Cascade Rd. Bridge:

(a) Salmon, effective May 29 through July 15, 2024:

(i) Open Wednesdays through Saturdays.

(ii) Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.

(iii) Night closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect.

(b) All Species, effective June 2 through July 15, 2024: Closed Sundays through Tuesdays.

(2) Skagit River (Skagit Co.):

(a) From the Hwy. 536 (Memorial Hwy.) Bridge in Mt. Vernon to Gilligan Creek:

Salmon, effective immediately, through May 31, 2024:

(i) Daily limit 2. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.

(ii) Night Closure in effect.

(iii) Anglers who possess a valid two-pole endorsement may fish with two lines.

(b) From Hwy. 530 Bridge at Rockport to Cascade River Rd. (Marblemount Bridge):

Salmon, effective, May 29 through July 15, 2024:

(i) Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 adults. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook.

(ii) Night Closure and Anti-snagging rule in effect.

The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective immediately:

Puget Sound salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits. (24-66)