WSR 24-24-039
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 24-272—Filed November 25, 2024, 2:06 p.m., effective November 25, 2024, 2:06 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: This emergency rule will increase the chum portion of the salmon daily limit for a portion of the Nooksack.
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 emergency rule is necessary to increase the chum portion of the salmon daily limit in a portion of the Nooksack. Tribal terminal area catch indicates a higher-than-expected return for chum in this area and salmon hatchery egg take goals are expected to be met. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: November 25, 2024.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-04000D Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Puget Sound.
Effective immediately through November 30, 2024, recreational salmon fishing seasons for Nooksack River from I-5 Bridge to North and South forks shall be modified as described herein. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-040 not addressed herein, or unless otherwise amended by emergency rule, remain in effect:
Nooksack River (Whatcom County), from the I-5 Bridge (Ferndale) to confluence of North and South Forks: Effective immediately through November 30, 2024:
Salmon: Daily limit 4 including no more than 2 wild coho and no more than 2 chum.