WSR 25-03-006
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 25-01—Filed January 2, 2025, 4:31 p.m., effective January 2, 2025, 4:31 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: This emergency rule will close white sturgeon retention in the Columbia River, from Bonneville Dam to John Day Dam.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-312-06000C; and 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 rule is needed to close recreational sturgeon retention in Bonneville and The Dalles reservoirs. Catch rates and effort in Bonneville Pool and The Dalles Pool have been higher than preseason expectations. The Bonneville Pool total catch on January 1, 2025, was 1,365 fish as compared to the harvest guideline of 675 fish. The Dalles Pool total catch projected through January 4, 2025, is 322 fish as compared to the harvest guideline of 275 fish. Therefore, not enough fish remain under the guidelines to allow for previously scheduled retention opportunities in these areas. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: January 2, 2025.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-312-06000DFreshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River.
Effective immediately, through April 30, 2025, the provisions of WAC 220-312-060, WAC 220-312-030, and WAC 220-316-010 regarding white sturgeon retention seasons from Bonneville Dam to John Day Dam are as follows. All other provisions of WAC 220-312-060, WAC 220-316-010, and WAC 220-312-030 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
From Bonneville Dam upstream to John Day Dam, including adjacent tributaries:
White sturgeon: Closed to retention. Catch and release fishing only.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative code is repealed, effective immediately:
WAC 220-312-06000C | Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules—Columbia River. (24-261) |