Permanent Rules Adopted in 2016

See below for rules adopted in 2016 by the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission or the Director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The public comment period has ended for all rules listed below.

See the Rule-making glossary for more information about the terms used here.

Choose a year:

November - December 2016

Adding three species of King Crab to the current shellfish classification in the Washington Administrative Code
Charter Stamps
Marine Fish Rules

September - October 2016

2016 North of Falcon Rules - Coastal Commercial Salmon Fisheries - Grays Harbor fall fishery
2016 North of Falcon Rules - Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Fishery

July - August 2016

New combination recreational fishing licenses

Bottomfish and Shellfish Possession Limits – Expedited rulemaking
2016 North of Falcon Rulemaking - Recreational Salmon Fishery - Puget Sound
Deer General Season and Regulations
2016 North of Falcon Rules - Coastal Commercial Salmon Fisheries - Willapa Bay fall fishery

May - June 2016

Coastal mackerel purse seine fishery, duties of commercial receivers and processors
2016 North of Falcon Rulemaking - Recreational Salmon Fishery - Coastal Freshwater
2016 North of Falcon Rulemaking - Recreational Salmon Fishery
2016-2017 Hunting Regulations
Brown Pelican Delisting

March - April 2016

Puget Sound Commercial Smelt Fishery Quick Reporting
2016 Recreational Clam and Oyster Seasons

January - February 2016

2016-2017 Recreational Fishing Rule Amendments
Coastal mackerel purse seine fishery
Amendments to wildlife interaction, depredation and hazing rules
Technical changes to bighorn sheep marking requirements rules

Adding three species of King Crab to the current shellfish classification in the Washington Administrative Code
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulatory authority is closely aligned with classification of species in the Washington Administrative Code. The current list of classified shellfish species by rule does not include three species of King Crab that make up a significant proportion of the Alaskan crab harvest, and are known to be involved in the illicit seafood trade. One of these species, Red King Crab, is designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as a "species at risk", and anecdotal information from Washington crab fishermen suggests it also exist in Washington offshore waters.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-13-149 on June 22, 2016
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-17-055 on August 12, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 17-01-055 on December 14, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Shellfish Species
Charter Stamps
The department needs a rule to expressly prohibit fishing guides and charter-boat operators from re-using charter stamps rather than issuing new stamps as contemplated by RCW 77.32.430. The proposed rule project will: (1) lay out the process for validating charter stamps so the stamps cannot be reused; and (2) ensure that charter-stamp-validation violations and the re-use of stamps are penalized appropriately. This rulemaking will involve the responsibilities of charter operators as well as how catch record cards are used and the recording of catch occurs.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-10-099 on May 4, 2016
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-17-053 on August 11, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 17-01-054 on December 14, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Charter Stamps
Marine Fish Rules
The department must amend recreational fishing rules to meet conservation objectives and provide fishing opportunities within those conservation objectives. The department is considering changes to the recreational fishing rules in saltwater areas of Washington State. The department may consider additional recreational fishing rule changes if necessary.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-06-076 on February 26, 2016
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-19-059 on September 19, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- Letter of Withdrawl - Withdrawal of WAC 220-56-320 from WSR 16-19-059 filed as WSR 17-01-040 on December 16, 2016
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 17-01-085 on December 10, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2017-2018 Sportfishing Regulation Proposals
2016 North of Falcon Rules - Coastal Commercial Salmon Fisheries - Grays Harbor fall fishery
The Department is considering changes to WDFW's coastal commercial salmon fishing rules, resulting from North of Falcon recommendations. Coastal commercial salmon fishing rules are based on North of Falcon recommendations that change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Amendments to coastal commercial salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-02-117 on January 6, 2016
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-11-102 on May 18, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- SUPPLEMENTAL CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-15-064 on July 18, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-19-010 on September 10, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Grays Harbor Commercial Salmon Regulations for 2016
2016 North of Falcon Rules - Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Fishery
The Department is considering Changes to Puget Sound commercial salmon fishing rules, resulting from North of Falcon recommendations. Puget Sound commercial salmon fishing rules are based on North of Falcon recommendations that change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Rule amendments to Puget Sound commercial salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-02-118 on January 6, 2016
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-06-102 on March 1, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- SUPPLEMENTAL CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-13-155 on June 22, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-18-067 on September 2, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Puget Sound Commercial Salmon Regulations for 2016
New Combination Recreational Fishing Licenses
The department is considering new rules to establish new types of combination fishing licenses. Chapter 77.32 RCW allows the Fish and Wildlife Commission to set the period of validity for a license and to combine licenses to one license at a fee less than the cost of the combined licenses. Creating new combination fishing licenses will increase participation in all angling activities, improve retention of customers, and grow revenue opportunities for the department.

The Fish Washington license is being proposed as a "value added license package for recreation anglers". Purpose of this license is to create a one-stop shop license package that contain all fishing license privileges. The license is being requested based on input from recreation anglers and the dealer community.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 14-22-107 on November 5, 2014
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-09-077 on April 18, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-15-055 on July 15, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-17-105 on August 19, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: New Combination Licenses
Bottomfish and Shellfish Possession Limits -- Expedited rulemaking
These changes will make it clear that bottomfish and shellfish caught in the Pacific Ocean, and landed into a Washington port are subject to Washington personal use fishing regulations including possession limits. This change is particularly important for areas where management lines include ocean waters adjacent to both Oregon and Washington, where differential fishing regulations may be in place. Through the Pacific Fishery Management Council's biennial groundfish management process, specific management measures were developed through a public process that included stakeholder input, to regulate groundfish mortality to specific harvest limits for Washington state. Harvest limits and regulations are often different in each. Catch landed into Washington is attributed to Washington's harvest limits and if regulations allow for landings from a state (such as Oregon) with more liberal limits, Washington could be at risk for exceeding harvest levels that ensure that over harvest is not occurring.
- CR-105 – filed as WSR 16-09-079 on April 18, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current expedited rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-17-017 on August 5, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Amending Possession Limits for Recreational Bottomfish and Shellfish
2016 North of Falcon Rulemaking - Recreational Salmon Fishery - Puget Sound
Recreational salmon fishing rules based on North of Falcon recommendations change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Amendments to Puget Sound recreational salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-02-119 on January 6, 2016
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-11-099 on May 18, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- SUPPLEMENTAL CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-13-142 on June 22, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-17-008 on August 4, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2016 Puget Sound Recreational Salmon Regulations
- CONTINUANCE CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-14-014 on June 24, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-23-002 on November 2, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2016 Puget Sound Recreational Salmon Regulations Eastern Washington Continuance
Deer General Season and Regulations
The Department is considering changes and amendments to rules and regulations concerning deer general season.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-24-136 on December 3, 2015
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-04-126 on February 3, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- SUPPLEMENTAL CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-10-120 on May 4, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-15-045 on July 14, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2015-2017 Deer general seasons and regulations
2016 North of Falcon Rules - Coastal Commercial Salmon Fisheries - Willapa Bay fall fishery
The Department is considering changes to WDFW's coastal commercial salmon fishing rules, resulting from North of Falcon recommendations. Coastal commercial salmon fishing rules are based on North of Falcon recommendations that change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Amendments to coastal commercial salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-02-117 on January 6, 2016
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-11-100 on May 18, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-15-029 on July 12, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2016 Willapa Bay Commercial Salmon Regulations
Coastal mackerel purse seine fishery, duties of commercial receivers and processors
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is considering rule amendments relating to the sale and processing of mackerel from commercial fisheries. The rule amendments will limit the amount of mackerel that can be processed for purposes other than human consumption. This limitation supports maximizing the value of the catch.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-07-041 on March 11, 2016
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-10-113 on May 4, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-14-046 on June 29, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Duties of commercial purchasers and receivers of Mackerel
2016 North of Falcon Rulemaking - Recreational Salmon Fishery - Coastal Freshwater
The Department is considering changes to recreational salmon fishing rules resulting from stakeholder recommendations made during North of Falcon meetings. Recreational salmon fishing rules based on North of Falcon recommendations change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Amendments to recreational salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-02-119 on January 6, 2016
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-11-103 on May 18, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-14-045 on June 28, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2016 Coastal Recreational Salmon Regulations
2016 North of Falcon Rulemaking - Recreational Salmon Fishery
The Department is considering changes to recreational salmon fishing rules resulting from stakeholder recommendations made during North of Falcon meetings. Recreational salmon fishing rules based on North of Falcon recommendations change from year to year to reflect resource availability and to achieve conservation goals. Amendments to recreational salmon fishing rules are needed to implement the agreed-upon changes.

The following WAC's were filed on a Supplemental CR-102 filed as WSR 16-13-142 on June 22, 2016, out for public comment until July 27, 2016 to make significant changes (Puget Sound) from the original CR-102 which was filed as WSR 16-11-099 on May 18, 2016:

WAC 220-55-220 – Two-pole endorsement
WAC 220-310-190 – Freshwater exceptions to statewide rules – Puget Sound
WAC 220-56-195 – Closed areas-Saltwater salmon angling
WAC 232-28-621- Puget Sound Salmon-Saltwater
WAC 220-56-180 – Salmon statewide rules
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-02-119 on January 6, 2016
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-11-099 on May 18, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-14-038 on June 28, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2016 Recreational Salmon Regulations
2016-2017 Hunting Regulations
The Department is considering making rule changes for the following topics: Hunting regulations and seasons for big game, small game, and migratory birds; rules concerning dead non-resident wildlife; rules relating to vehicle-killed wildlife salvage; rules relating to hunters with disabilities; hunter education deferrals; and other related rules changes as needed.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-24-136 on December 3, 2015
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-04-126 on February 3, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-12-087 on May 31, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Supplemental CR-102 for Deer General
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2016-2017 Hunting Regulations
Brown Pelican Delisting
The department is considering the removal of Brown Pelican from the state’s endangered species list. Delisting criteria are described in WAC 232-12-297(4.1) and (4.2). The agency is initiating the delisting process in accordance with WAC 232-12-297(6.1.1).The department has reviewed all relevant data pertaining to the population status of Brown Pelican in Washington. These data show a steady increase in Brown Pelican numbers in Washington from 1987-2011. Although the recent breeding failures, unprecedented ocean warming, toxic algae blooms, and climate change present uncertainty about the future trend in Brown Pelican populations, robust numbers (>10,000) still occur seasonally in Washington, and they are not immediately threatened. This information indicates that the species is no longer in decline or at risk of becoming endangered.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 16-01-193 on December 23, 2015
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 - filed as WSR 16-06-127 on March 2, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-11-023 on May 6, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Delisting of the Brown Pelican
Puget Sound Commercial Smelt Fishery Quick Reporting
The department is proposing amendments to permanently adopt quick reporting requirements in the Puget Sound commercial smelt fishery. A permanent rule change adopted by the Fish and Wildlife Commission established a fixed annual quota of 60,000 lbs. in the Puget Sound commercial smelt fishery. This fixed quota means that the department now needs in-season catch tracking to ensure overharvest does not occur. As such, the department filed an emergency rule amending WAC 220-49-005 that established “quick reporting” procedures for the Puget Sound commercial smelt fishery. Requiring fishers to “quick report” their catch by 2:00 p.m. the day after harvest allows fishery managers to track harvest in near real-time. This proposed rulemaking would make quick reporting requirements permanent in the Puget Sound commercial smelt fishery in response to the fixed quota adopted by the Commission.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-22-096 on November 3, 2015
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-03-046 on January 14, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-07-140 on March 22, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Quick Reporting requirement for the Puget Sound Commercial Smelt Fishery
2016 Recreational Clam and Oyster Seasons
The department is considering changes to recreational clam and oyster harvest season rules for 2016. The department must annually amend recreational clam and oyster season rules on some public tidelands in response to shellfish population changes, shifts in recreational effort, conservation issues, and negotiations with treaty tribes and other state agencies. Such amendments are designed to perpetuate shellfish resources while maximizing recreational harvest opportunity.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-18-113 on September 2, 2015
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-01-192 on December 23, 2015
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-07-012 on March 4, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2016 Recreational Clam and Oyster Seasons
2016-2017 Recreational Fishing Rule Amendments
The department must amend recreational fishing rules to meet conservation objectives and provide fishing opportunities within those conservation objectives. The department is considering changes to the freshwater areas of the Puget Sound and Coast, as well as for warm water fisheries in the Columbia River mainstem waters contiguous with Oregon. The department may consider additional recreational fishing rule changes if necessary.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-07-105 on March 18, 2015
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-20-073 on October 2, 2015
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-06-073 on February 26, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: 2016-2017 Sport Fishing Rule Change Proposals
Coastal mackerel purse seine fishery
The purpose of this proposal is to designate and provide regulations for a trial emerging commercial fishery for the commercial harvest of Pacific mackerel with purse seine gear. This proposal also anticipates advancement of the trial emerging fishery to an experimental emerging fishery. The effect of this rule change is to establish a commercial fishery in federal waters for the harvest of Pacific mackerel with purse seine gear. The National Marine Fisheries Service, in coordination with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, regulates and scientifically assesses Pacific mackerel fisheries in offshore waters. No Washington fishery license authorizes landing Pacific mackerel from a directed Pacific mackerel purse seine fishery. Lacking such a license and regulations specific to this species and gear, Washington fishers are precluded from participating in the federal directed mackerel fishery when harvest opportunity exists.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-22-097 on November 3, 2015
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 16-02-116 on January 6, 2016
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-06-064 on February 25, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Coastal Directed Mackerel Purse Seine Fishery
Amendments to wildlife interaction, depredation and hazing rules
The department is considering amending rules regarding wildlife interaction, depredation, hazing, and wildlife control operators to adjust for organizational changes within the agency and to update rules to address current operational needs.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-07-107 on March 18, 2015
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-10-107 on May 6, 2015
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- SUPPLEMENTAL CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-16-134 on August 5, 2015
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-04-066 on January 28, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: Wildlife Interactions Rules
Technical changes to bighorn sheep marking requirements rules
The department is considering technical changes to rules regarding bighorn sheep marking requirements. Provides a mechanism by which bighorn sheep horns legally acquired prior to the era of permanent marking can be inspected, marked, and entered into the long-term database. This provides certainty to both the owner of the horns and the Department that the horns were acquired legally.
- CR-101 - filed as WSR 15-14-122 on July 1, 2015
  Invitation to discuss rules on this subject
- CR-102 – filed as WSR 15-19-156 on September 23, 2015
  Notice and opportunity to comment on this current rule-making proposal
- CR-103 – filed as WSR 16-03-045 on January 14, 2016
  Notice of rule changes as adopted
- See also: Concise Explanatory Statement: WAC 232-12-284, Bighorn Sheep - Marking Requirements