WSR 23-14-104
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 23-113—Filed June 30, 2023, 4:43 p.m., effective July 1, 2023]
Effective Date of Rule: July 1, 2023.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to reduce the salmon daily limit in the Bogachiel, Calawah, Dickey, Quillayute, and Sol Duc rivers.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-020.
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 rule is needed to reduce the salmon daily limits in the areas listed.
Low hatchery rack returns to the Sol Duc Hatchery indicate that Chinook salmon in the Quillayute watershed are returning below the preseason forecast. A reduced salmon daily limit is necessary to meet broodstock collection goals while providing fishing opportunity.
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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: June 30, 2023.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-02000CFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Coast.
Effective July 1 through August 31, 2023, the following provisions of WAC 220-312-020, regarding recreational salmon daily limits for Bogachiel, Calawah, Dickey, Quillayute, and Sol Duc rivers shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-020 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
(1) Bogachiel River (Clallam Co.), from mouth to Hwy 101 Bridge: Salmon: Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 adult hatchery Chinook. Release wild adult Chinook, wild adult coho, and sockeye.
(2) Calawah River (Clallam Co.), from the mouth to Hwy 101 Bridge: Salmon: Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 adult hatchery Chinook. Release wild adult Chinook, wild adult coho, and sockeye.
(3) Dickey River (Clallam Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to the confluence of the East and West Forks: Salmon: Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 adult hatchery Chinook. Release wild adult Chinook, wild adult coho, and sockeye.
(4) Quillayute River (Clallam Co.), from Olympic National Park boundary upstream to confluence of Sol Duc and Bogachiel rivers: Salmon: Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 adult hatchery Chinook. Release wild adult Chinook, wild adult coho, and sockeye.
(5) Sol Duc River (Clallam Co.), from mouth to the concrete pump station at the Sol Duc Hatchery: Salmon: Daily limit 2 including no more than 1 adult hatchery Chinook. Release wild adult Chinook, wild adult coho, and sockeye.