WSR 25-17-017
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-177—Filed August 9, 2025, 10:18 a.m., effective August 11, 2025]
Effective Date of Rule: August 11, 2025.
Purpose: This emergency rule opens commercial reef net seasons in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Area 7.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-354-180.
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 provide for Pacific Salmon Commission authorized commercial fisheries in Puget Sound Management and Catch Reporting Areas 7 and 7A. These fisheries have been authorized by The Fraser River Panel as part of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. The latest in-season runsize estimates for sockeye salmon based on test fishing indicate that there are harvestable sockeye available for United States fisheries. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: August 8, 2025.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-354-18000IReef net open periods.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-354-180, effective August 11 through August 12, 2025, it is unlawful to take, fish for, or possess salmon taken with reef net gear for commercial purposes in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas except as provided in this section, provided that unless otherwise amended, all permanent rules remain in effect:
Open to reef net gear according to the times, dates and conditions contained in this section:
| Area(s) | Date(s) | Open/Closed | Daily open period | |
| 7 | 08/11 - 08/12 | Open | 5 AM - 9 PM | |
(a) Sockeye retention is permitted from August 11 through August 12. It is unlawful to land more than 420 sockeye per license during the August 11-12 fishery.
(b) "Quick Reporting Fisheries": All fisheries opened under this section, and any fishery opening under authority of the Fraser Panel for sockeye in Puget Sound Salmon Management and Catch Reporting Areas (WAC 220-301-030), are designated as "Quick Reporting Required" per WAC 220-352-325 Puget Sound salmon and sturgeon—Additional reporting requirements and WAC 220-354-090 Puget Sound salmon—Quick reporting.