WSR 15-21-035
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 15-382—Filed October 15, 2015, 1:26 p.m., effective October 16, 2015]
Effective Date of Rule: October 16, 2015.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-56-25500D; and amending WAC 220-310-190.
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: Coho broodstock collection efforts at Soos Creek Hatchery are well behind the goal and fecundity of females is low due to the small size of returning coho. Nonretention of coho (adults and jacks) is needed to protect returning coho. The uppermost reaches of the Green River need to be closed to all fishing to protect Chinook redds, as there are conservation concerns regarding the Endangered Species Act listed Chinook salmon population in the Green River. Emergency rule WAC 220-56-25500D is being repealed as permanent rules are in effect. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: October 15, 2015.
James B. Scott, Jr.
for J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-310-19000N Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-310-190, effective October 16, 2015, until further notice, it is unlawful to violate the provisions below. Unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect:
(1) Green River (King Co.): From the mouth of the Green River upstream to the mouth of Cristy Creek (at Flaming Geyser State Park): Daily limit 3 adult salmon, release Chinook and coho.
(2) Green River from the mouth of Cristy Creek (at Flaming Geyser State Park) to the water pipeline walk bridge (1/2 mile downstream of Tacoma Headworks Dam): closed to all fishing.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 220-56-25500D
HalibutAreas and seasons. (15-211)