WSR 15-11-052 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 15-130—Filed May 15, 2015, 11:47 a.m., effective May 17, 2015] Effective Date of Rule: May 17, 2015.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for Grays River.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-310-18500A; and amending WAC 220-310-185.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 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: Stray hatchery spring chinook have been found in the system. These fish are also not needed for broodstock. Opening the rivers two weeks early will allow additional opportunity to harvest surplus hatchery spring chinook and hatchery steelhead. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 15, 2015.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-18500A Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Southwest.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-185, it is unlawful to violate the following provisions, provided that unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect:
(1) Grays River (Wahkiakum Co.): Effective May 17 through June 5, it is permissible to fish in waters of the Grays River from mouth to the South Fork:
(a) Daily limit is six fish of which no more than two may be hatchery adult Chinook or hatchery steelhead, or one of each.
(b) Salmon minimum size is 12 inches.
(c) Wild Chinook and wild steelhead must be released.
(d) Release all fish except hatchery Chinook and hatchery steelhead.
(2) West Fork Grays River (Wahkiakum Co.) Effective May 17 through June 5, it is permissible to fish in waters of the West Fork Grays River from the mouth upstream to the hatchery intake/footbridge:
(a) Daily limit is six fish of which no more than two may be hatchery adult Chinook or hatchery steelhead, or one of each.
(b) Salmon minimum size is 12 inches.
(c) Wild Chinook and wild steelhead must be released.
(d) Release all fish except hatchery Chinook and hatchery steelhead.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective June 6, 2015:
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