WSR 17-07-083 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 17-47—Filed March 20, 2017, 9:42 a.m., effective March 25, 2017] Effective Date of Rule: March 25, 2017.
Purpose: Amend Columbia River recreational fishing rules for sturgeon.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-312-060.
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 close waters of the Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam upstream to John Day Dam because the harvest guidelines for both pools are expected to be reached by the effective date of this rule. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: March 20, 2017.
J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000A Exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River sturgeon.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-312-060 and WAC 220-316-010, effective March 25, 2017, until further notice, it is unlawful to retain sturgeon caught in those waters of the Columbia River and tributaries from Bonneville Dam upstream to John Day Dam. Catch and release is permissible except from May 1, 2017, until further notice, in the sturgeon spawning Sanctuary located from The Dalles Dam downstream 1.8 miles and in the sturgeon spawning Sanctuary located from John Day Dam downstream 2.4 miles.
|