WSR 25-17-034
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-181—Filed August 13, 2025, 1:11 p.m., effective August 20, 2025]
Effective Date of Rule: August 20, 2025.
Purpose: This emergency rule closes recreational Chinook retention in Green (Duwamish) River.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-040.
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 rule closes Chinook retention in Green (Duwamish) River. This rule is needed to ensure that Chinook broodstock and spawning goals are met. In-season updates indicate the Green River Chinook return is well below preseason projections. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 13, 2025.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000AFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective August 20 through December 31, 2025, the provisions of WAC 220-312-040 regarding recreational salmon seasons for Green/Duwamish River, shall be modified as described in this section. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed in this section, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
Green/Duwamish River, from Tukwila International Boulevard/Old Highway 99 upstream to the South 212th Street Bridge:
Salmon daily limit is 6 including no more than three of any combination of chum and adult coho. Release Chinook.