Purpose: Effective March 1, 2020, the Washington department of fish and wildlife (WDFW) adopted WAC 220-312-03000I (WSR 20-06-017 filed on February 21, 2020) to implement salmon fishery closures and reductions in daily limits in rivers in southwest Washington, including the Kalama River and Cowlitz River. The purpose of this rule is to be responsive to new scientific information regarding the low returns of Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery spring Chinook broodstock by extending the adult salmon daily limit reduction in the Kalama River originally adopted in WSR 20-06-017 through July 31, 2020.

This emergency rule allows a six salmon daily limit of which no more than one may be an adult, anglers must release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. By comparison, the permanent rule allows a six fish daily limit, up to two adults may be retained, release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho. So, the difference is a reduction from two to one adults per day.

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 because WDFW anticipates Kalama River spring Chinook stock will be needed to backfill Cowlitz River spring Chinook broodstock. Current numbers show that the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery spring Chinook return is extremely depressed while Kalama broodstock goals are now expected to be met. The possibility of using Kalama stock to backfill for Cowlitz was mentioned in WSR 20-13-049, filed on June 11, 2020. Using broodstock from one river within the broader system to supplement low hatchery returns in another river is anticipated by WDFW's hatchery program; however, this practice requires approval by NOAA and coordination with Tacoma Power. Therefore, WDFW has [been] discussing this contingency with NOAA and Tacoma Power as part of a package to address the Cowlitz broodstock shortfall.

A reduction in the adult salmon daily limit for Kalama River, that initiated on March 1, 2020, has resulted in putting Kalama River Hatchery broodstock collection on track to meet broodstock goals (670 HOR Chinook) and ahead of preseason projections (590 HOR Chinook), while continuing to provide angling opportunity. Kalama Falls Hatchery, as of June 7, 2020, has four hundred eighty HOR Chinook on hand, about one hundred seventy-four percent of the brood goal of two hundred seventy-six through June 7. Extending this rule is necessary to ensure that additional broodstock are available to address the shortfall of Cowlitz River Hatchery spring Chinook returns and will continue to provide angling opportunity for spring Chinook within the Kalama River.

The Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery escapement goal is one thousand three hundred ten Chinook. In response to the preseason run-size forecast of one thousand two hundred forty-two Chinook, a closure on Chinook retention in the Cowlitz basin was enacted on March 1. Chinook nonretention was further extending [extended] through July 31, 2020, with WSR 20-13-049 in response to new scientific data showing that as of June 7, 2020, the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery spring Chinook returns on hand (83 HOR Chinook) is less than twelve percent of what was expected (737 HOR Chinook). Even with the continued nonretention of Chinook in the Cowlitz basin, total Cowlitz River broodstock collection is projected to be ten to thirteen percent of what is needed. Thus, supplementation of Cowlitz spring Chinook with other stocks is a most likely necessity.

Using Kalama River stock to backfill for Cowlitz River stock is one of multiple management strategies being employed or considered by WDFW. The necessity of this reduction is unlikely to change prior to its expiration date of July 31, 2020, but will continue to be evaluated should circumstances change.

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 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.

Effective June 20 through July 31, 2020, the provisions of WAC 220-312-030 regarding salmon seasons for Kalama River shall be modified as described below. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-030 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended:

Kalama River (Cowlitz Co.): From the mouth upstream to 1000 feet below the fishway at the upper salmon hatchery:

Salmon: Daily limit 6; up to 1 may be an adult. Release all salmon other than hatchery Chinook and hatchery coho.

Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.