WSR 18-20-014
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 18-258—Filed September 20, 2018, 5:46 p.m., effective September 20, 2018, 5:46 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for Willapa Bay and triburies [tributaries].
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-020 and 220-313-070.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.12.045, 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: This emergency rule is needed to close salmon fisheries in Willapa Bay and its tributaries. Fall Chinook returning to tributaries of Willapa Bay have been significantly lower than preseason predictions in all fisheries and hatchery returns are lower than needed to make egg take at this time. Managers will continue to assess Chinook returns and reopen if warranted. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 2, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: September 20, 2018.
Nate Pamplin
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000FFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-020, effective September 22, 2018 until further notice the following rules apply. Unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect:
(1) Salmon angling is closed in the following waters:
(a) Bear River (Pacific Co.)
(b) Naselle River (Pacific Co.)
(c) Nemah River, Middle (Pacific Co.)
(d) Nemah River, North (Pacific Co.)
(e) Nemah River, South (Pacific Co.)
(f) Willapa River (Pacific Co.)
(g) Willapa River, South Fork (Pacific, Co.)
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-313-07000KCoastal salmon—Saltwater seasons and daily limits.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-313-070, effective September 22, 2018 until further notice the following rules apply. Unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect: Salmon angling is closed in the waters of Willapa Bay (Marine Area 2-1).