WSR 25-06-005
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-28—Filed February 19, 2025, 5:06 p.m., effective February 22, 2025]
Effective Date of Rule: February 22, 2025.
Purpose: This emergency rule opens two recreational sturgeon retention days in The Dalles Pool.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000E; and 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 rule opens two recreational sturgeon retention days in The Dalles Pool and maintains the previously adopted Bonneville Pool recreational sturgeon retention closure. There are 111 fish remaining on the harvest guideline and projections indicate this fishery can support two additional days of retention. These populations are managed under sustainable harvest guidelines. This action is consistent with decisions made by the states of Washington and Oregon during the Columbia River compact hearing on February 19, 2025. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: February 19, 2025.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000FFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Effective February 22 through April 30, 2025, the provisions of WAC 220-312-060, WAC 220-312-030, and WAC 220-316-010 regarding white sturgeon retention seasons from Bonneville Dam to John Day Dam are as follows. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060, WAC 220-316-010, and WAC 220-312-030 not addressed in this section remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
(1) From Bonneville Dam upstream to The Dalles Dam, including adjacent tributaries:
White sturgeon: Closed to retention. Catch and release fishing only.
(2) From The Dalles Dam upstream to John Day Dam, including adjacent tributaries:
(a) February 22 and February 27, 2025: It is permissible to retain white sturgeon: Daily limit 1. Minimum fork length 43 inches. Maximum fork length 54 inches.
(b) February 23 through February 26 and February 28 through April 30, 2025: White sturgeon: Closed to retention. Catch and release fishing only.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective February 22, 2025:
WAC 220-312-06000E | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River. (25-21) |