WSR 12-09-063

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

[ Order 12-56 -- Filed April 17, 2012, 10:29 a.m. , effective May 12, 2012 ]


     Effective Date of Rule: May 12, 2012.

     Purpose: The purpose of this rule making is to allow nontreaty recreational fishing opportunity in the Columbia River while protecting fish listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This rule making implements federal court orders governing Washington's relationship with treaty Indian tribes, federal law governing Washington's relationship with Oregon, and Washington fish and wildlife commission policy guidance for Columbia River fisheries.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 232-28-61900Q; and amending WAC 232-28-619.

     Other Authority: United States v. Oregon, Civil No. 68-513-KI (D. Or.), Order Adopting 2008-2017 United States v. Oregon Management Agreement (Aug. 12, 2008) (Doc. No. 2546); Northwest Gillnetters Ass'n v. Sandison, 95 Wn.2d 638, 628 P.2d 800 (1981); Washington fish and wildlife commission policies concerning Columbia River fisheries; 40 Stat. 515 (Columbia River compact).

     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: Sets the late-spring - summer white sturgeon retention season for the below Wauna sport fishery. The regulation is consistent with Washington fish and wildlife commission guidance for 2012 lower Columbia River sturgeon management. The dates for retention of white sturgeon are based on actions adopted at the joint Washington-Oregon public hearing on January 26, 2012. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1; Federal Rules or Standards: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: April 17, 2012.

Philip Anderson

Director


NEW SECTION
WAC 232-28-61900Q   Exceptions to statewide rules -- Columbia River sturgeon.   Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 232-28-619, effective May 12 through July 8, 2012, it is permissible to retain white sturgeon caught in those waters of the Columbia River from the mouth upstream to the Wauna powerlines, and all adjacent Washington tributaries. Minimum size when open to retain white sturgeon in this area is 38 inches fork length through April 30 and 41 inches fork length from May 12 onward.

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REPEALER


     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective July 9, 2012:


WAC 232-28-61900Q Exceptions to statewide rules -- Columbia River sturgeon.

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office