WSR 26-12-051
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-93—Filed May 29, 2026, 2:12 p.m., effective June 1, 2026]
Effective Date of Rule: June 1, 2026.
Purpose: This emergency rule redefines the 20-fathom bottomfish depth restriction line in Marine Areas 3 and 4 west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line to make Duntze and Duncan rocks shoreward of the depth restriction.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-314-030.
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 necessary to redefine the 20-fathom bottomfish depth restriction line in Marine Areas 3 and 4 west of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line. Duntze and Duncan rocks are in waters shallower than 20 fathoms but are seaward of the existing 20-fathom line. This makes Duntze and Duncan rocks shoreward of the restriction line, which aligns rules with angler expectations and assists in prosecuting an orderly fishery. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: May 29, 2026.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-314-03000BHalibut—Seasons—Daily and possession limits.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-314-030, effective June 1 through July 31, 2026, bottomfish rules regarding the 20-fathom depth contour are modified as described in this section. All other rules in WAC 220-314-030 not addressed in this section remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
It is unlawful to fish for or possess bottomfish seaward of a line approximating the 20-fathom depth contour as defined by the following coordinates, from June 1 through July 31 except, on days and times open to halibut fishing, it is permissible to retain lingcod, sablefish, bocaccio, silvergray rockfish, canary rockfish, widow rockfish, yellowtail rockfish, and Pacific cod. The retention of yellowtail rockfish and widow rockfish is permitted seaward of the line approximating 20 fathoms during the month of July:
48°25.00'N. lat., 124°44.06'W. long.
48°25.00'N. lat., 120°45.22'W. long.
48°23.60'N. lat., 124°44.90'W. long.
48°18.60'N. lat., 124°43.60'W. long.
48°18.60'N. lat., 124°48.20'W. long.
48°10.00'N. lat., 124°48.80'W. long.
48°02.40'N. lat., 124°49.30'W. long.
47°37.60'N. lat., 124°34.30'W. long.
47°31.70'N. lat., 124°32.40'W. long.