WSR 24-21-078
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-237—Filed October 15, 2024, 2:00 p.m., effective October 15, 2024, 2:00 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: This emergency rule will increase the adult coho portion of the recreational salmon daily limit in the Hanford Reach area of the Columbia River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-060.
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: This emergency rule is necessary to increase the adult coho portion of the salmon daily limit in the Hanford Reach area. In-season observations indicate coho returns to Ringold Hatchery are sufficient to allow for an increase in the adult coho daily limit.
There is insufficient time to promulgate 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 15, 2024.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000AFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Effective immediately, through December 31, 2024, the provisions of WAC 220-312-060 regarding recreational salmon seasons from I-182 Bridge at Richland to the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing, shall be modified as described below. All year-round Closed Waters areas remain in effect. Other provisions of WAC 220-312-060 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
From I-182 Bridge at Richland to the Old Hanford townsite powerline crossing:
Salmon: Daily limit 6. Up to 2 adults including no more than 1 adult Chinook may be retained. Release all salmon other than Chinook and coho.