WSR 24-20-046
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-203—Filed September 24, 2024, 5:17 p.m., effective September 26, 2024]
Effective Date of Rule: September 26, 2024.
Purpose: Amends recreational fishing rules for the Stillaguamish River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-040.
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: Catch of coho in the marine area adjacent to the Stillaguamish greatly exceeded preseason expectations. While early indicators are that coho returns to river systems neighboring the Stillaguamish are strong, it is too early to assess abundance returning to the Stillaguamish. A reduction to the daily limit for the recreational fishery will allow the fishery to continue prior to having in-season indicators of the number of coho returning to the river, while minimizing the risk of not meeting conservation objectives for Stillaguamish coho. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 24, 2024.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000WFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective September 26, 2024, until further notice, provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding salmon fishing seasons for the Stillaguamish River shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule remain in effect:
Stillaguamish River (Snohomish Co.) From Marine Drive (south of Stanwood) upstream to forks.
Daily limit: One salmon, release Chinook and chum.