RCW 77.15.160 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 160
RCW 77.15.160: Infractions—Penalties.
Status: in_force

The following acts are infractions and may be cited and civil penalties imposed as provided under chapter 7.84 RCW, to include detentions for a reasonable period and investigations as provided in RCW 7.84.030 . The civil provisions of this section are cumulative and nonexclusive and do not affect any criminal prosecution or investigatory authority over criminal offenses: (1) Fishing and shellfishing infractions: (a) Barbed hooks: Fishing for personal use with barbed hooks in violation of any department rule. (b) Catch recording: Failing to immediately record a catch of fish or shellfish on a catch record card as required by RCW 77.32.430 or department rule. (c) Catch reporting: Failing to return a catch record card to the department as required by department rule. (d)(i) Recreational fishing: Fishing for fish or shellfish and the person: (A) Fails to have in the person's possession the license or the catch record card required by chapter 77.32 RCW for such an activity; or (B) Violates any department rule regarding seasons, closed areas, closed times, or any other rule addressing the manner or method of fishing for fish or shellfish and the violation involves: (I) Salmon or steelhead; (II) Sturgeon; (III) Game fish; (IV) Food fish; (V) Shellfish; (VI) Unclassified fish or shellfish; (VII) Waste of food fish, game fish or shellfish. (ii) (d)(i)(B) of this subsection does not apply to use of a net to take fish under RCW 77.15.580 or unlawful recreational fishing in the first degree under RCW 77.15.370 . (e) Seaweed: Taking, possessing, or harvesting less than two times the daily possession limit of seaweed: (i) While the person is not in possession of the license required by chapter 77.32 RCW; or (ii) In violation of any rule of the department or the department of natural resources regarding seasons, closed areas, closed times, or any other rule addressing the manner or method of taking, possessing, or harvesting of seaweed. (2) Small game hunting infractions: (a) A person engages in an activity defined by chapter 77.32 RCW while not having in the person's possession or having failed to purchase the hunting license or tag required by that chapter, not including big game. (b) Eggs or nests: Maliciously, and without permit authorization, destroying, taking, or harming the eggs or active nests of a wild bird not classified as endangered or protected. For purposes of this subsection, "active nests" means nests that contain eggs or fledglings. (c) Hunting for wildlife not classified as big game and the person violates any department rule regarding seasons, closed areas, closed times, or any other rule defining the method or manner of hunting or taking wildlife and the violation involves: (i) Unclassified wildlife; (ii) Small game; (iii) Furbearers; (iv) Game birds; (v) Wild birds; (vi) Wild animals; (vii) Waste of small game. (3) Trapping, taxidermy, fur dealing, and wildlife meat cutting infractions: (a) Recordkeeping and reporting: If a person is a taxidermist, fur dealer, or wildlife meat cutter who is processing, holding, or storing wildlife for commercial purposes, failing to: (i) Maintain records as required by department rule; or (ii) Report information from these records as required by department rule. (b) Trapper's report: Failing to report trapping activity as required by department rule. (4) Limited fish seller infraction: Failure of a holder of a limited fish seller endorsement to satisfy the food safety requirements to consumers under RCW 77.65.510 (2). (5)(a) Invasive species management infractions: (i) Out-of-state certification: Entering Washington in possession of an aquatic conveyance that does not meet certificate of inspection requirements as provided under RCW 77.135.100 ; (ii) Clean and drain requirements: Possessing an aquatic conveyance that does not meet clean and drain requirements under RCW 77.135.110 ; (iii) Clean and drain orders: Possessing an aquatic conveyance and failing to obey a clean and drain order under RCW 77.135.110 or 77.135.120 ; and (iv) Aquatic invasive species prevention permit requirements: Failing to possess a valid aquatic invasive species prevention permit as required under RCW 77.135.210 , 77.135.220 , or 77.135.230 . (b) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in both RCW 77.08.010 and 77.135.010 apply throughout this subsection (5). (6) Big game hunting: (a) A person hunts for big game while not having in the person's possession the hunting license or tag required under this title. (b) A person hunts for big game species of deer, elk, black bear, or cougar and the person violates any department rule regarding seasons, closed areas, closed times, or any other department rule defining the method or manner of hunting or taking these big game species. This subsection (6)(b) does not apply to protected, threatened, or endangered big game as identified under RCW 77.12.020 . (c) A violation of this subsection carries a mandatory fine of $500, not including statutory assessments added pursuant to RCW 3.62.090 . (7) General hunting: (a) A person carries, transports, conveys, possesses, or controls a rifle or shotgun in a motor vehicle, except as allowed by department rule, and the rifle or shotgun contains live shells or cartridges in the attached or internal magazine. (b) A person discharges a firearm from or across the maintained portion of a public highway. (c) A person fails to properly notch a transport tag as required by department rule. (8) Hydraulic activities: (a) A person operates a motor vehicle as defined in RCW 46.04.320 in the wetted portion of a streambed other than at an established ford. (b) A person, in violation of a department rule, constructs by hand, without the use of tools or equipment, a rock dam or similar structure that could impede the movement of fish life, as defined by department rule. (9) Department licensed guides: (a) Failing to display department registration stickers as required by chapter 77.65 RCW or a department rule. (b) Failing to initiate, complete, or submit guide logbooks as required by department rule. (10) Fishing guide or charter boat operator infractions: (a) It is an infraction for a person who is licensed and acting as a fishing guide or charter boat operator to: (i) Aid in the commission of any infraction under subsection (1) of this section by a client; or (ii) Permit the commission of any infraction under subsection (1) of this section by a client that the fishing guide or charter boat operator knows or reasonably believes is being or will be committed without: (A) Attempting to prevent the infraction, short of using force; and (B) Reporting the infraction. (b) A person acting as a fishing guide or charter boat operator may be found to have committed an infraction under (a)(i) or (ii) of this subsection regardless of whether the client was issued an infraction for the underlying violation. (11) Other infractions: (a) Contests: Unlawfully conducting, holding, or sponsoring a hunting contest, a fishing contest involving game fish, or a competitive field trial using live wildlife. (b) Other rules: Violating any other department rule that is designated by rule as an infraction. (c) Posting signs: Posting signs preventing hunting or fishing on any land not owned or leased by the person doing the posting, or without the permission of the person who owns, leases, or controls the land posted. (d) Department permits: Except as provided in RCW 77.15.750 , using a department permit issued by the department, and the person: (i) Violates any terms or conditions of the permit; (ii) Violates any department rule applicable to the issuance or use of permits; or (iii) Violates any commercial use or activity permits, noncommercial use or activity permits, or parking permits. (e) This subsection does not apply to discover pass, vehicle access pass, or day-use permit requirements or penalties pursuant to RCW 79A.80.080 .
RCW 77.70.340 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 340
RCW 77.70.340: Criteria for nonresident Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license for Oregon residents—Section effective contingent upon reciprocal statutory authority in Oregon.
Status: in_force

(1) An Oregon resident who can show historical and continuous participation in the Washington state coastal crab fishery by having held a nonresident non-Puget Sound crab pot license issued under RCW 77.65.220 each year from 1990 through 1994, and who has delivered a minimum of eight landings totaling five thousand pounds of crab into Oregon during any two of the four qualifying seasons as provided in *RCW 77.70.280 (5) as evidenced by valid Oregon fish-receiving tickets, shall be issued a nonresident Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license valid for fishing in Washington state waters north from the Oregon-Washington boundary to United States latitude forty-six degrees thirty minutes north. Such license shall be issued upon application and submission of proof of delivery. (2) This section shall become effective contingent upon reciprocal statutory authority in the state of Oregon providing for equal access for Washington state coastal crab fishers to Oregon territorial coastal waters north of United States latitude forty-five degrees fifty-eight minutes north, and Oregon waters of the Columbia river.
RCW 77.70.070 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 070
RCW 77.70.070: Salmon charter boats—Angler permit—Number of anglers.
Status: in_force

A salmon charter boat may not carry more anglers than the number specified in the angler permit issued under RCW 77.70.060 . Members of the crew may fish from the boat only to the extent that the number of anglers specified in the angler permit exceeds the number of noncrew passengers on the boat at that time.
RCW 77.50.100 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 50 / Section 100
RCW 77.50.100: Hood Canal shrimp—Limitation on number of shrimp pots.
Status: in_force

The commission shall not authorize any commercial fisher to use more than fifty shrimp pots while commercially fishing for shrimp in that portion of Hood Canal lying south of the Hood Canal floating bridge.
RCW 77.12.550 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 550
RCW 77.12.550: Tidelands used as public shooting grounds—Diversion.
Status: in_force

Tidelands granted to the department to be used as public shooting grounds shall revert to the state if used for another purpose. The department shall certify the reversion to the commissioner of public lands who shall then supervise and control the lands as provided in Title 79 RCW.
RCW 77.12.465 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 465
RCW 77.12.465: Abandoned or derelict vessels.
Status: in_force

The director has the authority, subject to the processes and limitation outlined in chapter 79.100 RCW, to store, strip, use, auction, sell, salvage, scrap, or dispose of an abandoned or derelict vessel found on or above publicly or privately owned aquatic lands within the jurisdiction of the department.
RCW 77.15.300 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 300
RCW 77.15.300: Unlawful hydraulic project activities—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawfully undertaking hydraulic project activities if the person constructs any form of hydraulic project or performs other work on a hydraulic project and: (a) Fails to have a hydraulic project approval required under chapter 77.55 RCW for such construction or work; or (b) Violates any requirements or conditions of the hydraulic project approval for such construction or work. (2) Unlawfully undertaking hydraulic project activities is a gross misdemeanor.
RCW 77.135.110 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 135 / Section 110
RCW 77.135.110: Aquatic conveyance—Clean and drain requirements—Enforcement—Adoption of rules.
Status: in_force

(1) A person in possession of an aquatic conveyance must meet clean and drain requirements after the conveyance's use in or on a water body or property. A certificate of inspection is not needed to meet clean and drain requirements. (2) A fish and wildlife officer or ex officio fish and wildlife officer may order a person transporting an aquatic conveyance not meeting clean and drain requirements to: (a) Clean and drain the conveyance at the discovery site, if the department determines there are sufficient resources available; or (b) Transport the conveyance to a reasonably close location where resources are sufficient to meet the clean and drain requirements. (3) This section may be enforced immediately on the transportation of aquatic plants by registered vessels, small vessels, seaplanes, and commercial vessels. The department must adopt rules to implement all other aspects of clean and drain requirements, including: (a) Other types of aquatic conveyances subject to this requirement; (b) When transport of an aquatic conveyance is authorized if clean and drain services are not readily available at the last water body used; and (c) Exemptions to clean and drain requirements where the department determines there is minimal risk of spreading invasive species.
RCW 77.70.190 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 190
RCW 77.70.190: Sea cucumber dive fishery license—Limitation on issuance—Transfer of license—Fee—Issuance of new licenses.
Status: in_force

(1) A sea cucumber dive fishery license is required to take sea cucumbers for commercial purposes. A sea cucumber dive fishery license authorizes the use of only one diver in the water at any time during sea cucumber harvest operations. If the same vessel has been designated on two sea cucumber dive fishery licenses, two divers may be in the water. A natural person may not hold more than two sea cucumber dive fishery licenses. (2) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, the director shall issue no new sea cucumber dive fishery licenses. For licenses issued for the year 2000 and thereafter, the director shall renew existing licenses only to a natural person who held the license at the end of the previous year. If a sea cucumber dive fishery license is not held by a natural person as of December 31, 1999, it is not renewable. However, if the license is not held because of revocation or suspension of licensing privileges, the director shall renew the license in the name of a natural person at the end of the revocation or suspension if the license holder applies for renewal of the license before the end of the year in which the revocation or suspension ends. (3) Where a licensee failed to obtain the license during either of the previous two years because of a license suspension by the director or the court, the licensee may qualify for a license by establishing that the person held such a license during the last year in which the person was eligible. (4) Sea cucumber dive fishery licenses are transferable subject to the fees and restrictions in RCW 77.65.020 (2). (5) If fewer than twenty persons are eligible for sea cucumber dive fishery licenses, the director may accept applications for new licenses. The additional licenses may not cause more than twenty natural persons to be eligible for a sea cucumber dive fishery license. New licenses issued under this section shall be distributed according to rules of the department that recover the value of such licensed privilege.
RCW 77.15.320 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 320
RCW 77.15.320: Unlawful failure to provide, maintain, or operate fishway for dam or other obstruction—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful failure to provide, maintain, or operate a fishway for dam or other obstruction if the person owns, operates, or controls a dam or other obstruction to fish passage on a river or stream and: (a) The dam or obstruction is not provided with a durable and efficient fishway approved by the director as required by RCW 77.57.030 ; (b) Fails to maintain a fishway in efficient operating condition; or (c) Fails to continuously supply a fishway with a sufficient supply of water to allow the free passage of fish. (2) Unlawful failure to provide, maintain, or operate a fishway for dam or other obstruction is a gross misdemeanor. Following written notification to the person from the department that there is a violation, each day of unlawful failure to provide, maintain, or operate a fishway is a separate offense.
RCW 77.55.420 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 55 / Section 420
RCW 77.55.420: Stop work order—Notice—Appeal.
Status: in_force

(1) The department may serve upon a project proponent a stop work order, which is a final order of the department, if: (a) There is any severe violation of this chapter or of the rules implementing this chapter or there is a deviation from the hydraulic project approval that may cause significant harm to fish life; and (b) Immediate action is necessary to prevent continuation of or to avoid more than minor harm to fish life or fish habitat. (2)(a) The stop work order must set forth: (i) A description of the condition that is not in compliance and the text of the specific section or subsection of this chapter or the rules that implement this chapter; (ii) A statement of what is required to achieve compliance; (iii) The date by which the department requires compliance; (iv) Notice of the means to contact any technical assistance services provided by the department or others; (v) Notice of when, where, and to whom the request to extend the time to achieve compliance for good cause may be filed with the department; and (vi) The right to an appeal. (b) A stop work order may require that any project proponent stop all work connected with the violation until corrective action is taken. A stop work order may also require that any project proponent take corrective action to prevent, correct, or compensate for adverse impacts to fish life and fish habitat. (c) A stop work order must be authorized by senior or executive department personnel. The department shall initiate rule making to identify the appropriate level of senior and executive level staff approval for these actions based on the level of financial effect on the violator and the scope and scale of the impact to fish life and habitat. (3) Within five business days of issuing the stop work order, the department shall mail a copy of the stop work order to the last known address of any project proponent, to the last known address of the owner of the land on which the hydraulic project is located, and to the local jurisdiction in which the hydraulic project is located. The department must take all measures reasonably calculated to ensure that the project proponent actually receives notice of the stop work order. (4) Issuance of a stop work order may be informally appealed by a project proponent who was served with the stop work order or who received a copy of the stop work order from the department, or by the owner of the land on which the hydraulic project is located, to the department within thirty days from the date of receipt of the stop work order. Requests for informal appeal must be filed in the form and manner prescribed by the department by rule. A stop work order that has been informally appealed to the department is appealable to the board within thirty days from the date of receipt of the department's decision on the informal appeal. (5) The project proponent who was served with the stop work order or who received a copy of the stop work order from the department, or the owner of the land on which the hydraulic project is located, may commence an appeal to the board within thirty days from the date of receipt of the stop work order. If such an appeal is commenced, the proceeding is an adjudicative proceeding under the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The recipient of the stop work order must comply with the order of the department immediately upon being served, but the board may stay, modify, or discontinue the order, upon motion, under such conditions as the board may impose. (6) This section does not apply to a project, or to that portion of a project, that has received a forest practices hydraulic project permit from the department of natural resources pursuant to chapter 76.09 RCW. (7) For the purposes of this section, "project proponent" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 77.55.410 (3).
RCW 77.12.455 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 455
RCW 77.12.455: Prevention and suppression of diseases and pests.
Status: in_force

The commission may prohibit the introduction, transportation or transplanting of fish, shellfish, organisms, material, or other equipment which in the commission's judgment may transmit any disease or pests affecting fish or shellfish.
RCW 77.70.010 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 010
RCW 77.70.010: License renewed subject to RCW 77.65.080.
Status: in_force

(1) A license renewed under the provisions of this chapter that has been suspended under RCW 77.65.080 shall be subject to the following provisions: (a) A license renewal fee shall be paid as a condition of maintaining a current license; and (b) The department shall waive any other license requirements, unless the department determines that the license holder has had sufficient opportunity to meet these requirements. (2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall apply only to a license that has been suspended under RCW 77.65.080 for a period of twelve months or less. A license holder shall forfeit a license subject to this chapter and may not recover any license renewal fees previously paid if the license holder does not meet the requirements of *RCW 74.20A.320 (9) within twelve months of license suspension.
RCW 77.15.380 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 380
RCW 77.15.380: Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree if the person fishes for fish or shellfish and, whether or not the person possesses fish or shellfish, the person has not purchased the appropriate fishing or shellfishing license and catch record card issued to Washington residents or nonresidents under chapter 77.32 RCW. (2) A person is guilty of unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree if the person takes or possesses fish or shellfish and: (a) The person owns, but does not have in the person's possession, the license or the catch record card required by chapter 77.32 RCW for such activity; or (b) The action violates any department rule regarding seasons, bag or possession limits but less than two times the bag or possession limit, closed areas, closed times, or any other rule addressing the manner or method of fishing for, taking, or possessing fish or shellfish. This section does not apply to use of a net to take fish under RCW 77.15.580 or the unlawful use of shellfish gear for personal use under RCW 77.15.382 . (3) Unlawful recreational fishing in the second degree is a misdemeanor.
RCW 77.12.230 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 230
RCW 77.12.230: Local assessments against department property.
Status: in_force

The director may pay lawful local improvement district assessments for projects that may benefit wildlife or wildlife-oriented recreation made against lands held by the state for department purposes. The payments may be made from money appropriated from the fish, wildlife, and conservation account created in RCW 77.12.170 (3) to the department.
RCW 77.15.732 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 732
RCW 77.15.732: Citations from wildlife violator compact party state—Failure to comply.
Status: in_force

(1) Upon receipt of a report of failure to comply with the terms of a citation from the licensing authority of a state that is a party to the wildlife violator compact under RCW 77.75.070 , the department shall suspend the violator's license privileges under this title until satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the wildlife citation has been furnished by the issuing state to the department. The department shall adopt by rule procedures for the timely notification and administrative review of such suspension of licensing privileges. (2) Upon receipt of a report of a conviction from the licensing authority of a state that is a party to the wildlife violator compact under RCW 77.75.070 , the department shall enter such conviction in its records and shall treat such conviction as if it occurred in the state of Washington for the purposes of suspension, revocation, or forfeiture of license privileges.
RCW 77.15.440 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 440
RCW 77.15.440: Weapons, traps, or dogs on game reserves—Unlawful use—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful use of weapons, traps, or dogs on game reserves if: (a) The person uses firearms, other hunting weapons, or traps on a game reserve; or (b) The person negligently allows a dog upon a game reserve. (2) This section does not apply to persons on a public highway or if the conduct is authorized by rule of the department. (3) This section does not apply to a person in possession of a handgun if the person in control of the handgun possesses a valid concealed pistol license and the handgun is concealed on the person. (4) Unlawful use of weapons, traps, or dogs on game reserves is a misdemeanor.
RCW 77.110.030 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 110 / Section 030
RCW 77.110.030: Management of natural resources—State policy.
Status: in_force

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 2554.SL ) ***

The people of the state of Washington declare that conservation, enhancement, and proper utilization of the state's natural resources, including but not limited to lands, waters, timber, fish, and game are responsibilities of the state of Washington and shall remain within the express domain of the state of Washington. While fully respecting private property rights, all resources in the state's domain shall be managed by the state alone such that conservation, enhancement, and proper utilization are the primary considerations. No citizen shall be denied equal access to and use of any resource on the basis of race, sex, origin, cultural heritage, or by and through any treaty based upon the same.
RCW 77.15.430 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 430
RCW 77.15.430: Unlawful hunting of wild animals—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild animals in the second degree if the person hunts for wild animals not classified as big game and, whether or not the person possesses the wild animals, the person has not purchased the appropriate hunting license issued to Washington residents or nonresidents under chapter 77.32 RCW. (2) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild animals in the second degree if the person: (a) Takes or possesses a wild animal that is not classified as big game, and owns, but does not have in the person's possession, all licenses, tags, or permits required by this title; or (b) Violates any department rule regarding seasons, bag or possession limits but less than two times the bag or possession limit, closed areas including game reserves, closed times, or any other rule addressing the manner or method of hunting or possession of wild animals not classified as big game. (3) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild animals in the first degree if the person takes or possesses two times or more than the possession or bag limit for wild animals that are not classified as big game animals as allowed by department rule. (4)(a) Unlawful hunting of wild animals in the second degree is a misdemeanor. (b) Unlawful hunting of wild animals in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor.
RCW 77.70.300 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 300
RCW 77.70.300: Crab taken in offshore waters—Dungeness crab offshore delivery license—Fee.
Status: in_force

A person commercially fishing for Dungeness crab in offshore waters outside of Washington state jurisdiction shall obtain a Dungeness crab offshore delivery license from the director if the person does not possess a valid Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license and the person wishes to land Dungeness crab into a place or a port in the state. The annual fee for a Dungeness crab offshore delivery license is two hundred fifty dollars. The director may specify restrictions on landings of offshore Dungeness crab in Washington state as authorized in RCW 77.70.290 . Fees from the offshore Dungeness crab delivery license shall be placed in the coastal crab account created in RCW 77.70.320 .
RCW 77.15.060 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 060
RCW 77.15.060: Reference to chapters 7.84 and 9A.20 RCW.
Status: in_force

Crimes defined by this chapter shall be punished as infractions, misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies, based on the classification of crimes set out in chapters 7.84 and 9A.20 RCW.
RCW 77.65.430 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 430
RCW 77.65.430: Wild salmonid policy—Management strategies and gear types.
Status: in_force

The director shall evaluate and recommend, in consultation with the Indian tribes, salmon fishery management strategies and gear types, as well as a schedule for implementation, that will minimize the impact of commercial and recreational fishing in the mixed stock fishery on critical and depressed wild stocks of salmonids. As part of this evaluation, the director, in conjunction with the commercial and recreational fishing industries, shall evaluate commercial and recreational salmon fishing gear types developed by these industries.
RCW 77.12.325 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 325
RCW 77.12.325: Cooperation with Oregon to assure yields of Columbia river fish, shellfish, and wildlife.
Status: in_force

The commission may cooperate with the Oregon fish and wildlife commission in the adoption of rules to ensure an annual yield of fish, shellfish, and wildlife on the Columbia river and to prevent the taking of fish, shellfish, and wildlife at places or times that might endanger fish, shellfish, and wildlife.
RCW 77.85.080 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 85 / Section 080
RCW 77.85.080: Sea grant program—Technical assistance authorized.
Status: in_force

The sea grant program at the University of Washington is authorized to provide technical assistance to volunteer groups and other project sponsors in designing and implementing habitat projects that address the limiting factors analysis required under RCW 77.85.060 . The cost for such assistance may be covered on a fee-for-service basis.
RCW 77.70.050 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 050
RCW 77.70.050: Salmon charter boats—Limitation on issuance of licenses—Renewal—Transfer.
Status: in_force

(1) After May 28, 1977, the director shall issue no new salmon charter licenses. A person may renew an existing salmon charter license only if the person held the license sought to be renewed during the previous year or acquired the license by transfer from someone who held it during the previous year, and if the person has not subsequently transferred the license to another person. (2) Salmon charter licenses may be renewed each year. A salmon charter license which is not renewed each year shall not be renewed further. (3) Subject to the restrictions in RCW 77.65.020 , salmon charter licenses are transferable from one license holder to another.
RCW 77.15.805 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 805
RCW 77.15.805: Violation of an invasive species law—Warrant.
Status: in_force

(1) Upon a showing of probable cause that there has been a violation of an invasive species law of the state of Washington, or upon a showing of probable cause to believe that evidence of such a violation may be found at a place, a court must issue a search warrant or arrest warrant. Fish and wildlife officers or ex officio fish and wildlife officers may execute any such search or arrest warrant reasonably necessary to carry out their duties under this title with regard to an invasive species law and may seize invasive species or any evidence of a crime and the fruits or instrumentalities of a crime as provided by warrant. The court may have property opened or entered and the contents examined. (2) Seizure of property as evidence of a crime does not preclude seizure of the property for forfeiture as authorized by law.
RCW 77.12.755 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 755
RCW 77.12.755: Ranked inventory of fish passage barriers.
Status: in_force

In coordination with the department of natural resources and lead entity groups, the department must establish a ranked inventory of fish passage barriers on land owned by small forestland owners based on the principle of fixing the worst first within a watershed consistent with the fish passage priorities of the forest and fish report. The department shall first gather and synthesize all available existing information about the locations and impacts of fish passage barriers in Washington. This information must include, but not be limited to, the most recently available limiting factors analysis conducted pursuant to RCW 77.85.060 (2), the stock status information contained in the department of fish and wildlife salmonid stock inventory (SASSI), the salmon and steelhead habitat inventory and assessment project (SSHIAP), and any comparable science-based assessment when available. The inventory of fish passage barriers must be kept current and at a minimum be updated by the beginning of each calendar year. Nothing in this section grants the department or others additional right of entry onto private property.
RCW 77.70.170 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 170
RCW 77.70.170: Emerging commercial fishery designation—Legislative review.
Status: in_force

Whenever the director promulgates a rule designating an emerging commercial fishery, the legislative standing committees of the house of representatives and senate dealing with fisheries issues shall be notified of the rule and its justification thirty days prior to the effective date of the rule.
RCW 77.57.020 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 57 / Section 020
RCW 77.57.020: Review of permit applications to divert or store water—Water flow policy.
Status: in_force

It is the policy of this state that a flow of water sufficient to support game fish and food fish populations be maintained at all times in the streams of this state. The director of ecology shall give the director notice of each application for a permit to divert or store water. The director has thirty days after receiving the notice to state his or her objections to the application. The permit shall not be issued until the thirty-day period has elapsed. The director of ecology may refuse to issue a permit if, in the opinion of the director of ecology, issuing the permit might result in lowering the flow of water in a stream below the flow necessary to adequately support food fish and game fish populations in the stream. The provisions of this section shall in no way affect existing water rights.
RCW 77.65.510 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 510
RCW 77.65.510: Limited fish seller endorsement—Food safety requirements—Fees—Other provisions.
Status: in_force

(1) The limited fish seller endorsement permits a license holder or alternate operator to clean, dress, and sell his or her commercially harvested catch directly to consumers at retail. The limited fish seller endorsement may be issued as an optional addition to all holders of a commercial fishing license issued by the department and may be purchased at the time of the underlying license sale or any time thereafter. (2) The holder of a limited fish seller endorsement selling their own catch directly to consumers is exempt from the permitting requirements of chapter 246-215 WAC. To ensure food safety for consumers, the holder of a limited fish seller endorsement must follow these requirements: (a) Only sell fresh, whole fish or fresh fish that has been cleaned and dressed; (b) use ice from a commercial source to hold the fish; and (c) provide the buyer with a receipt stating the date of purchase, Washington fish-receiving ticket number documenting the original delivery, name, address, and phone number of the holder of the limited fish seller endorsement from whom the fish or shellfish was purchased, and the species and weight or number of fish or shellfish sold. Failure to satisfy these food safety requirements is punishable as an infraction under RCW 77.15.160 . A licensed commercial fisher holding a limited fish seller endorsement may allow a designated alternate to sell under the authority of that endorsement. (3) An individual need only add one limited fish seller endorsement to his or her license portfolio. If a limited fish seller endorsement is selected by an individual holding more than one commercial fishing license issued by the department, an endorsement is considered to be added to all commercial fishing licenses held by that individual, and is the only endorsement required for the individual to sell at retail any species permitted by any of the underlying endorsed licenses. (4) The fee for a resident limited fish seller endorsement is seventy dollars. The fee for a nonresident limited fish seller endorsement is four hundred fifty-five dollars. The application fee for both a resident and nonresident endorsement is one hundred five dollars. (5) The holder of a limited fish seller endorsement is responsible for documenting the commercial harvest and sales according to the rules of the department. (6) The limited fish seller endorsement is to be held by a natural person and is not transferable or assignable. If the endorsed license is transferred, the limited fish seller endorsement immediately becomes void, and the transferor is not eligible for a full or prorated reimbursement of the annual fee paid for the limited fish seller endorsement. Upon becoming void, the holder of a limited fish seller endorsement must surrender the physical endorsement to the department. (7) The holder of a qualifying commercial fishing license or an alternate operator designated on such a license, must either possess a limited fish seller endorsement or a wholesale fish buyer endorsement provided for in RCW 77.65.340 in order to lawfully sell their catch or harvest in the state to anyone other than a licensed wholesale fish buyer.
RCW 77.12.705 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 705
RCW 77.12.705: Southern resident orcas population threshold—Report to the legislature.
Status: in_force

If the population of southern resident orcas reaches a threshold of 70 individuals or fewer, the department must provide a report to the legislature within one year of the threshold being met, consistent with RCW 43.01.036 , that includes a study of how mandatory 1,000-yard setbacks for all vessels has been enforced and identifies gaps and solutions to support any improvements, the use of data science with respect to southern resident orca pod health, and evidence-based plans to address southern resident orca pod health.
RCW 77.65.600 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 600
RCW 77.65.600: Return of certain licenses upon termination of employment relationship.
Status: in_force

(1) Upon termination of the employment relationship by an employee or by an employing person, firm, or business, the employee shall return to the person, firm, or business who purchased the license on the employee's behalf any license described in subsection (2) of this section that the employee possesses. (2) This section applies to the following types of licenses if the following types of licenses are purchased by a person, firm, or business on behalf of an employee of that person, firm, or business: (a) A food fish guide license issued under RCW 77.65.370 ; and (b) A game fish guide license issued under RCW 77.65.480 . (3) Any license described in subsection (2) of this section that is returned to the person, firm, or business who purchased the license pursuant to this section is transferable to another employee of the person, firm, or business who qualifies for a license under RCW 77.65.050 and 77.65.560 . (4)(a) An employee who fails to return a license as provided in this section shall pay to the person, firm, or business who purchased the license on the employee's behalf an amount equal to the full amount of the license fee and any application fee paid. (b) A license possessed by an employee who fails to return the license as provided in this section or to pay the person, firm, or business who purchased the license on the employee's behalf as provided in (a) of this subsection is invalidated. (5) For the purposes of this section, "purchased" means the payment of the full amount of the license fee and any application fee applicable to the license.
RCW 77.15.130 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 130
RCW 77.15.130: Protected fish or wildlife—Unauthorized taking—Penalty—Criminal wildlife penalty assessment.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful taking of protected fish or wildlife if: (a) The person hunts for, fishes for, maliciously takes, harasses, or possesses fish or wildlife, or the person possesses or maliciously destroys the eggs or nests of fish or wildlife designated by the commission as protected, other than species designated as threatened or sensitive, and the taking has not been authorized by rule of the commission or by a permit issued by the department; (b) The person violates any rule of the commission regarding the taking, harassing, possession, or transport of protected fish or wildlife; or (c)(i) The person hunts for, fishes for, intentionally takes, harasses, or possesses fish or wildlife, or the person possesses or intentionally destroys the nests or eggs of fish or wildlife designated by the commission as threatened or sensitive; and (ii) The taking of the fish or wildlife, or the destruction of the nests or eggs, has not been authorized by rule of the commission, a permit issued by the department, or a permit issued pursuant to the federal endangered species act. (2) Unlawful taking of protected fish or wildlife is a misdemeanor. (3) In addition to the penalties set forth in subsection (2) of this section, if a person is convicted of violating this section and the violation results in the death of protected wildlife listed in this subsection, the court shall require payment of the following amounts for each animal taken or possessed. This is a criminal wildlife penalty assessment that must be paid to the clerk of the court and distributed each month to the state treasurer for deposit in the fish and wildlife enforcement reward account created in RCW 77.15.425 : (a) Ferruginous hawk, two thousand dollars; (b) Common loon, two thousand dollars; (c) Bald eagle, two thousand dollars; (d) Golden eagle, two thousand dollars; and (e) Peregrine falcon, two thousand dollars. (4) If two or more persons are convicted under subsection (1) of this section, and subsection (3) of this section is applicable, the criminal wildlife penalty assessment must be imposed against the persons jointly and severally. (5)(a) The criminal wildlife penalty assessment under subsection (3) of this section must be imposed regardless of and in addition to any sentence, fines, or costs otherwise provided for violating any provision of this section. The criminal wildlife penalty assessment must be included by the court in any pronouncement of sentence and may not be suspended, waived, modified, or deferred in any respect. (b) This subsection may not be construed to abridge or alter alternative rights of action or remedies in equity or under common law or statutory law, criminal or civil. (6) A defaulted criminal wildlife penalty assessment authorized under subsection (3) of this section may be collected by any means authorized by law for the enforcement of orders of the court or collection of a fine or costs, including but not limited to vacation of a deferral of sentencing or vacation of a suspension of sentence. (7) The department shall revoke the hunting license and suspend the hunting privileges of a person assessed a criminal wildlife penalty assessment under this section until the penalty assessment is paid through the registry of the court in which the penalty assessment was assessed. (8) The criminal wildlife penalty assessments provided in subsection (3) of this section must be doubled in the following instances: (a) When a person commits a violation that requires payment of a criminal wildlife penalty assessment within five years of a prior gross misdemeanor or felony conviction under this title; or (b) When the trier of fact determines that the person took or possessed the protected wildlife in question with the intent of bartering, selling, or otherwise deriving economic profit from the wildlife or wildlife parts.
RCW 77.75.090 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 75 / Section 090
RCW 77.75.090: Administration facilitation.
Status: in_force

The director shall furnish to the appropriate authorities of the participating states any information or documents reasonably necessary to facilitate the administration of the compact.
RCW 77.32.470 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 32 / Section 470
RCW 77.32.470: Personal use saltwater, freshwater, combination, or temporary license—Charter stamp—Rule-making authority—Combination license for fishing—Two fishing poles per fishing license holder.
Status: in_force

(1) A personal use saltwater, freshwater, combination, or temporary license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish for or possess fish taken for personal use from state waters or offshore waters. (a) A combination license allows the holder to fish for or possess fish, shellfish, and seaweed from state waters or offshore waters. (b) A saltwater license allows the holder to fish for or possess fish taken from saltwater areas. (c) A freshwater license allows the holder to fish for, take, or possess food fish or game fish species in all freshwater areas. (2)(a) A temporary combination fishing license is valid for one to three consecutive days and allows the holder to fish for or possess fish, shellfish, and seaweed taken from state waters or offshore waters. (b) A charter stamp is valid for a one-day temporary combination fishing license for residents and nonresidents for use on a charter boat as defined in RCW 77.65.150 . A guide stamp is valid for a one-day temporary combination fishing license for residents and nonresidents for use with a guide as defined in RCW 77.65.370 , 77.65.480 , or 77.65.590 . (c) The temporary combination fishing license fee for active duty military personnel serving in any branch of the United States armed forces is the resident rate. Active duty military personnel must provide a valid military identification card at the time of purchase of the temporary license to qualify for the resident rate. (3) The commission may adopt rules to allow the use of two fishing poles per fishing license holder for use on selected state waters. If authorized by the commission, license holders must purchase a two-pole endorsement to use a second pole. The proceeds from the sale of the two-pole endorsement must be deposited into the limited fish and wildlife account created in RCW 77.12.170 (1) and used for the operation and maintenance of state-owned fish hatcheries.
RCW 77.12.610 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 610
RCW 77.12.610: Check stations—Purpose.
Status: in_force

The purposes of RCW 77.12.610 through 77.12.630 are to facilitate the department's gathering of biological data for managing wildlife, fish, and shellfish resources of this state and to protect these resources by assuring compliance with Title 77 RCW, and rules adopted thereunder, in a manner designed to minimize inconvenience to the public.
RCW 77.32.430 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 32 / Section 430
RCW 77.32.430: Catch record card—Disposition of funds.
Status: in_force

(1) Catch record card information is necessary for proper management of the state's food fish and game fish species and shellfish resources. Catch record card administration shall be under rules adopted by the commission. Except as provided in this section, there is no charge for an initial catch record card. Each subsequent or duplicate catch record card is subject to a fee. (2) A license to take and possess Dungeness crab is only valid in Puget Sound waters east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line if the fisher has in possession a valid catch record card officially endorsed for Dungeness crab. (3) Catch record cards issued with affixed temporary short-term charter stamp or guide stamp licenses are neither subject to the fee nor to the Dungeness crab endorsement fee provided for in this section. Charter boat or guide operators issuing temporary short-term charter stamp or guide stamp licenses shall affix the stamp to each catch record card issued before fishing commences. Catch record cards issued with a temporary short-term charter stamp or guide stamp are valid for one day. (4) A catch record card for halibut is subject to a fee when purchased with an annual saltwater or combination fishing license and must be provided at no cost for those who purchase a one-day temporary combination fishing license or one-day temporary charter stamp. (5) The department shall include provisions for recording marked and unmarked salmon in catch record cards issued after March 31, 2004. (6)(a) The funds received from the sale of catch record cards, catch card penalty fees, and the Dungeness crab endorsement must be deposited into the limited fish and wildlife account created in RCW 77.12.170 (1). (i)(A) Eleven percent of the revenue received from the sale of each Dungeness crab endorsement must be used for the removal and disposal of derelict shellfish gear either directly by the department or under contract with a third party. The department is required to maintain a separate accounting of these funds and provide an annual report to the commission and the legislature by January 1st of every year. (B) The remaining portion of the funds received from the sale of each Dungeness crab endorsement must be used for education, sampling, monitoring, and management of catch associated with the Dungeness crab recreational fisheries. (ii) Funds received from the sale of halibut catch record cards must be used for monitoring and management of recreational halibut fisheries, including expanding opportunities for recreational anglers. (b) Moneys allocated under this section shall supplement and not supplant other federal, state, and local funds used for Dungeness crab recreational fisheries management.
RCW 77.12.077 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 077
RCW 77.12.077: Use of dogs to hunt/pursue black bear, cougar, bobcat—Rules—Training program—Nonlethal pursuit.
Status: in_force

(1) The commission shall adopt by rule a process and criteria to select persons who may act as agents of the state for the purpose of using one or more dogs to hunt or pursue black bear, cougar, or bobcat to protect livestock, domestic animals, private property, or the public safety. The commission rule must outline the requirements an applicant must comply with when applying for the program including, but not limited to, a criminal background check. (2) The department shall administer a training program to enable persons who have been selected pursuant to subsection (1) of this section to train dogs for use consistent with this section. The purpose of this program is to provide dog training opportunities using nonlethal pursuit.
RCW 77.135.160 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 135 / Section 160
RCW 77.135.160: Department-authorized representatives—Adoption of rules—Fee schedule.
Status: in_force

(1) The department may authorize representatives to operate its inspection and decontamination stations and mandatory check stations. Department-authorized representatives may be department volunteers, other law enforcement agencies, or independent businesses. (2) The department must adopt rules governing the types of services that department-authorized representatives may perform under this chapter. (3) Department-authorized representatives must have official identification, training, and administrative capacity to fulfill their responsibilities under this section. (4) By December 1, 2018, the department must provide the legislature with recommendations for a fee schedule that department-authorized representatives may charge users whose aquatic conveyances receive inspection and decontamination services.
RCW 77.15.620 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 620
RCW 77.15.620: Engaging in fish dealing activity without a license—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of engaging in fish dealing activity without a license in the second degree if the activity involves fish or shellfish worth less than two hundred fifty dollars and the person: (a) Engages in any fish dealing activity requiring a fish dealer license under RCW 77.65.280 without first obtaining the license; (b) Engages in any fish buying or selling activity requiring a wholesale fish buyer endorsement under RCW 77.65.340 without first obtaining the endorsement; or (c) Engages in any fish selling activity as a fisher that requires a limited fish seller endorsement under RCW 77.65.510 without first obtaining the endorsement. (2) A person is guilty of engaging in fish dealing activity without a license in the first degree if the person commits the act described by subsection (1) of this section and the violation involves fish or shellfish worth two hundred fifty dollars or more. (3)(a) Engaging in fish dealing activity without a license in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor. (b) Engaging in fish dealing activity without a license in the first degree is a class C felony.
RCW 77.60.100 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 60 / Section 100
RCW 77.60.100: Establishment of reserves on state shellfish lands.
Status: in_force

The commission may examine the clam, mussel, and oyster beds located on aquatic lands belonging to the state and request the commissioner of public lands to withdraw these lands from sale and lease for the purpose of establishing reserves or public beaches. The director shall conserve, protect, and develop these reserves and the oyster, shrimp, clam, and mussel beds on state lands.
RCW 77.12.285 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 285
RCW 77.12.285: Agreements with United States to protect Columbia river fish—Fish cultural stations and protective devices.
Status: in_force

(1) The commission may enter into agreements with and receive funds from the United States for the construction, maintenance, and operation of fish cultural stations, laboratories, and devices in the Columbia river basin for improvement of feeding and spawning conditions for fish, for the protection of migratory fish from irrigation projects and for facilitating free migration of fish over obstructions. (2) The director and the department may acquire by gift, purchase, lease, easement, or condemnation the use of lands where the construction or improvement is to be carried on by the United States.
RCW 77.12.475 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 475
RCW 77.12.475: Fish and wildlife equipment revolving account.
Status: in_force

(1) The fish and wildlife equipment revolving account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. The department must reimburse the account for all moneys expended from the account. Reimbursements may be made with moneys appropriated to the department or from other moneys otherwise available to the department. All moneys generated by the use or repair of vehicles, water vessels, and heavy equipment or generated by the sale or surplusing of vehicles, water vessels, and heavy equipment must be deposited in the account. The department's reimbursements may be prorated over the useful life of the vehicle, water vessel, or heavy equipment acquired with moneys from the account. (2) Expenditures from the account may be used only for the purchase or lease of vehicles, water vessels, and heavy equipment, to include the payment of costs for the operation, repair, and maintenance of the vehicles, water vessels, and heavy equipment. (3) Only the director of fish and wildlife or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures. (4) For the purposes of this section, the terms and charges for the intra-agency use of vehicles, water vessels, or heavy equipment or for the disposal through sale of vehicles, water vessels, or heavy equipment is solely within the discretion of the department and the department's determination of the terms, charges, or sale price is considered a reasonable term, charge, or sale price.
RCW 77.55.201 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 55 / Section 201
RCW 77.55.201: Landscape management plan.
Status: in_force

A landscape management plan approved by the department and the department of natural resources under RCW 76.09.350 (2) shall serve as a permit for the life of the plan if fish are selected as one of the public resources for coverage under such a plan.
RCW 77.70.130 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 130
RCW 77.70.130: Whiting-Puget Sound fishery license—Limitation on issuance.
Status: in_force

(1) A person shall not commercially take whiting from areas that the department designates within the waters described in RCW 77.65.160 (5)(a) without a whiting-Puget Sound fishery license. (2) A whiting-Puget Sound fishery license may be issued only to an individual who: (a) Delivered at least fifty thousand pounds of whiting during the period from January 1, 1981, through February 22, 1985, as verified by fish delivery tickets; (b) Possessed, on January 1, 1986, all equipment necessary to fish for whiting; and (c) Held a whiting-Puget Sound fishery license during the previous year or acquired such a license by transfer from someone who held it during the previous year. (3) After January 1, 1995, the director shall issue no new whiting-Puget Sound fishery licenses. After January 1, 1995, only an individual who meets the following qualifications may renew an existing license: The individual shall have held the license sought to be renewed during the previous year or acquired the license by transfer from someone who held it during the previous year, and shall not have subsequently transferred the license to another person. (4) Whiting-Puget Sound fishery licenses may be renewed each year. A whiting-Puget Sound fishery license that is not renewed each year shall not be renewed further.
RCW 77.105.170 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 105 / Section 170
RCW 77.105.170: Managing salmon to increase recreational angling opportunities in Puget Sound.
Status: in_force

The department shall utilize artificial rearing of salmon to improve recreational salmon fishing in Puget Sound. In managing salmon, the department shall seek to develop and implement methods that will increase recreational angling opportunities. These methods may include, but are not limited to, the following tools: (1) Utilization of salmon artificial rearing techniques that contribute to the recreational fisheries in Puget Sound, especially winter salmon fishing. (2) Optimum use of hatchery salmon through expanded recreational mark-selective fisheries. (3) Utilization of recreational salmon and marine fish enhancement program funds for catch monitoring when required to increase recreational mark-selective fisheries. (4) Consideration of new catch and release recreational fisheries utilizing gear and methods known to minimize hooking mortality. (5) Providing public information regarding angling opportunities and fishing methods.
RCW 77.55.470 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 55 / Section 470
RCW 77.55.470: Remedies under chapter not exclusive.
Status: in_force

The remedies under this chapter are not exclusive and do not limit or abrogate any other civil or criminal penalty, remedy, or right available in law, equity, or statute.
RCW 77.65.420 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 420
RCW 77.65.420: Wild salmonid policy—Establishment.
Status: in_force

By July 1, 1994, the commission jointly with the appropriate Indian tribes, shall each establish a wild salmonid policy. The policy shall ensure that department actions and programs are consistent with the goals of rebuilding wild stock populations to levels that permit commercial and recreational fishing opportunities.
RCW 77.65.240 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 240
RCW 77.65.240: Surcharge on Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license.
Status: in_force

A surcharge of one hundred twenty dollars shall be collected with each Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license issued under RCW 77.65.220 . Moneys collected under this section shall be placed in the coastal crab account created under RCW 77.70.320 .
RCW 77.04.120 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 04 / Section 120
RCW 77.04.120: Director—Research—Reports.
Status: in_force

(1) The director shall investigate the habits, supply, and economic use of food fish and shellfish in state and offshore waters. (2) The director shall make an annual report to the governor on the operation of the department and the statistics of the fishing industry. (3) Subject to RCW 40.07.040 , the director shall provide a comprehensive biennial report of all departmental operations to the chairs of the committees on natural resources of the senate and house of representatives, the senate ways and means committee, and the house of representatives appropriations committee, including one copy to the staff of each of the committees, to reflect the previous fiscal period. The format of the report shall be similar to reports issued by the department from 1964-1970 and the report shall include, but not be limited to, descriptions of all department activities including: Revenues generated, program costs, capital expenditures, personnel, special projects, new and ongoing research, environmental controls, cooperative projects, intergovernmental agreements, and outlines of ongoing litigation, recent court decisions and orders on major issues with the potential for state liability. The report shall describe the status of the resource and its recreational, commercial, and tribal utilization. The report shall be made available to the public.
RCW 77.55.430 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 55 / Section 430
RCW 77.55.430: Notice to comply—Notice—Appeal.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) If a violation of this chapter or of the rules implementing this chapter, a deviation from the hydraulic project approval, damage to fish life or fish habitat, or potential damage to fish life or fish habitat, has occurred and the department determines that a stop work order is unnecessary, the department may issue and serve upon a project proponent a notice to comply, which must clearly set forth: (i) A description of the condition that is not in compliance and the text of the specific section or subsection of this chapter or the rules that implement this chapter; (ii) A statement of what is required to achieve compliance; (iii) The date by which the department requires compliance to be achieved; (iv) Notice of the means to contact any technical assistance services provided by the department or others; (v) Notice of when, where, and to whom a request to extend the time to achieve compliance for good cause may be filed with the department; and (vi) The right to an appeal. (b) The notice to comply may require that any project proponent take corrective action to prevent, correct, or compensate for adverse impacts to fish life or fish habitat. (2) Within five business days of issuing the notice to comply, the department shall mail a copy of the notice to comply to the last known address of any project proponent, to the last known address of the owner of the land on which the hydraulic project is located, and to the local jurisdiction in which the hydraulic project is located. The department must take all measures reasonably calculated to ensure that the project proponent actually receives notice of the notice to comply. (3) Issuance of a notice to comply may be informally appealed by a project proponent who was served with the notice to comply or who received a copy of the notice to comply from the department, or by the owner of the land on which the hydraulic project is located, to the department within thirty days from the date of receipt of the notice to comply. Requests for informal appeal must be filed in the form and manner prescribed by the department by rule. A notice to comply that has been informally appealed to the department is appealable to the board within thirty days from the date of receipt of the department's decision on the informal appeal. (4) The project proponent who was served with the notice to comply, the project proponent who received a copy of the notice to comply from the department, or the owner of the land on which the hydraulic project is located may commence an appeal to the board within thirty days from the date of receipt of the notice to comply. If such an appeal is commenced, the proceeding is an adjudicative proceeding under the administrative procedure act, chapter 34.05 RCW. The recipient of the notice to comply must comply with the notice to comply immediately upon being served, but the board may stay, modify, or discontinue the notice to comply, upon motion, under such conditions as the board may impose. (5) This section does not apply to a project, or to that portion of a project, that has received a forest practices hydraulic project permit from the department of natural resources pursuant to chapter 76.09 RCW. (6) For the purposes of this section, "project proponent" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 77.55.410 (3).
RCW 77.12.870 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 870
RCW 77.12.870: Derelict fishing gear and shellfish pots database—Reporting requirements.
Status: in_force

(1) The department, in partnership with the Northwest straits commission, the department of natural resources, and other interested parties, must create and ensure the maintenance of a database of known derelict fishing gear and shellfish pots, including the type of gear and its location. (2) A person who loses or abandons commercial net fishing gear within the waters of the state is required to report the location of the loss and the type of gear lost to the department within twenty-four hours of the loss. (3) A person who loses or abandons shellfish pots within the waters of the state is encouraged to report the location of the loss and the type of gear lost to the department.
RCW 77.70.440 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 440
RCW 77.70.440: Puget Sound crab pot buoy tag account.
Status: in_force

The Puget Sound crab pot buoy tag account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. All revenues from fees from RCW 77.70.430 (1) must be deposited into the account. Expenditures from this account may be used for the production of crab pot buoy tags and the administration of a Puget Sound crab pot buoy tag program. Only the director or the director's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW but no appropriation is required for expenditures.
RCW 77.75.020 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 75 / Section 020
RCW 77.75.020: Columbia River Compact—Commission to represent state.
Status: in_force

The commission may give to the state of Oregon such consent and approbation of the state of Washington as is necessary under the compact set out in RCW 77.75.010 . For the purposes of RCW 77.75.010 , the states of Washington and Oregon have concurrent jurisdiction in the concurrent waters of the Columbia river.
RCW 77.12.010 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 010
RCW 77.12.010: Limitation on prohibiting fishing with bait or artificial lures.
Status: in_force

The commission shall not adopt rules that categorically prohibit fishing with bait or artificial lures in streams, rivers, beaver ponds, and lakes except that the commission may adopt rules and regulations restricting fishing methods upon a determination by the director that an individual body of water or part thereof clearly requires a fishing method prohibition to conserve or enhance the fisheries resource or to provide selected fishing alternatives.
RCW 77.65.170 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 170
RCW 77.65.170: Salmon delivery license—Fees—Restrictions—Revocation.
Status: in_force

(1) A salmon delivery license is required for a commercial fishing vessel to deliver salmon taken for commercial purposes in offshore waters to a place or port in the state. As used in this section, "deliver" and "delivery" mean arrival at a place or port, and include arrivals from offshore waters to waters within the state and arrivals ashore from offshore waters. The annual fee for a salmon delivery license is four hundred thirty dollars for residents and eight hundred fifteen dollars for nonresidents. The application fee for a salmon delivery license is one hundred five dollars. The annual surcharge under RCW 77.95.090 is one hundred dollars for each license. Holders of nonlimited entry delivery licenses issued under RCW 77.65.210 may apply the nonlimited entry delivery license fee against the salmon delivery license fee. (2) Only a person who meets the qualifications established in RCW 77.70.090 may hold a salmon delivery license issued under this section. (3) A salmon delivery license authorizes no taking of salmon or other fish or shellfish from the waters of the state. (4) If the director determines that the operation of a vessel under a salmon delivery license results in the depletion or destruction of the state's salmon resource or the delivery into this state of salmon products prohibited by law, the director may revoke the license under the procedures of chapter 34.05 RCW.
RCW 77.55.341 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 55 / Section 341
RCW 77.55.341: Department to prepare and distribute information to the public.
Status: in_force

The department shall prepare and distribute technical and educational information to the general public to assist the public in complying with the requirements of this chapter, including the changes resulting from chapter 1, Laws of 2012 1st sp. sess.
RCW 77.12.790 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 790
RCW 77.12.790: Eastern Washington pheasant enhancement program—Purpose.
Status: in_force

There is created within the department the eastern Washington pheasant enhancement program. The purpose of the program is to improve the harvest of pheasants by releasing pen-reared rooster pheasants on sites accessible for public hunting and by providing grants for habitat enhancement on public or private lands under agreement with the department. The department may either purchase rooster pheasants from private contractors, or produce rooster pheasants from department-sanctioned cooperative projects, whichever is less expensive, provided that the pheasants released meet minimum department standards for health and maturity. Any surplus hen pheasants from pheasant farms or projects operated by the department or the department of corrections for this enhancement program shall be made available to landowners who voluntarily open their lands to public pheasant hunting. Pheasants produced for the eastern Washington pheasant enhancement program must not detrimentally affect the production or operation of the department's western Washington pheasant release program. The release of pheasants for hunting purposes must not conflict with or supplant other department efforts to improve upland bird habitat or naturally produced upland birds.
RCW 77.135.060 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 135 / Section 060
RCW 77.135.060: Rapid response management actions.
Status: in_force

(1) The department may implement rapid response management actions where a prohibited level 1 species is detected in or on a water body or property. Rapid response management actions may: Include expedited actions to contain, control, or eradicate the prohibited species; and, if applicable, be implemented in conjunction with a quarantine declaration. Rapid response management actions must be terminated by the department when it determines that the targeted prohibited level 1 species are: (a) Eradicated; (b) Contained or controlled without need for further management actions; (c) Reclassified for that water body; or (d) Being managed under infested site management actions pursuant to RCW 77.135.070 . (2) If a rapid response management action exceeds seven days, the department may implement an incident command system for rapid response management including scope, duration, and types of actions and to support mutual assistance and cooperation between the department and other affected state and federal agencies, tribes, local governments, and private water body or property owners. The purpose of this system is to coordinate a rapid, effective, and efficient response to contain, control, and eradicate if feasible, a prohibited level 1 species. Mutual assistance and coordination by other state agencies is especially important to assist the department in expediting necessary state and federal environmental permits. (3) The department may enter into cooperative agreements with national, regional, state, and local rapid response management action partners to establish incident command system structures, secure or prepare submission-ready environmental permits, and identify mutual assistance commitments in preparation for potential future actions. (4) The department may perform simulated rapid response exercises, testing, or other training activities to prepare for future rapid response management actions. (5) In implementing rapid response management actions, the department may enter upon property consistent with the process established under RCW 77.135.170 .
RCW 77.15.180 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 180
RCW 77.15.180: Unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear in the second degree if the person: (a) Removes or releases a wild animal from another person's trap without permission; (b) Springs, pulls up, damages, possesses, or destroys another person's trap without the owner's permission; or (c) Interferes with recreational gear used to take fish or shellfish. (2) Unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear in the second degree is a misdemeanor. (3) A person is guilty of unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear in the first degree if the person: (a) Removes or releases fish or shellfish from commercial fishing gear without the owner's permission; or (b) Intentionally destroys or interferes with commercial fishing gear. (4) Unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor. (5) A person is not in violation of unlawful interference with fishing or hunting gear if the person removes a trap placed on property owned, leased, or rented by the person.
RCW 77.75.010 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 75 / Section 010
RCW 77.75.010: Columbia River Compact—Provisions.
Status: in_force

There exists between the states of Washington and Oregon a definite compact and agreement as follows: All laws and regulations now existing or which may be necessary for regulating, protecting or preserving fish in the waters of the Columbia river, or its tributaries, over which the states of Washington and Oregon have concurrent jurisdiction, or which would be affected by said concurrent jurisdiction, shall be made, changed, altered and amended in whole or in part, only with the mutual consent and approbation of both states.
RCW 77.12.115 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 115
RCW 77.12.115: Collaboration with volunteer and nonprofit organizations.
Status: reserved

(1) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Nonprofit organization" means any: (i) Organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. Sec. 501(c)(3)) and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the internal revenue code; or (ii) Not-for-profit organization that is organized and conducted for public benefit and operated primarily for charitable, civic, educational, religious, welfare, or health purposes. (b)(i) "Volunteer" or "volunteer organization" means an individual or entity performing services for a nonprofit organization or a governmental entity who does not receive compensation, other than reasonable reimbursement or allowances for expenses actually incurred, or any other thing of value, in excess of $500 per year. (ii) "Volunteer" includes a volunteer serving as a director, officer, trustee, or direct service volunteer. (2) The director is authorized to enter into those contracts, agreements, or other arrangements as are necessary to collaborate with volunteer organizations and nonprofit organizations to maintain, protect, and enhance department lands including, but not limited to, entering into: (a) Agreements with nonprofit organizations and volunteer organizations for work; and (b) Master agreements with nonprofit organizations and volunteer organizations, allowing for the issuing of work orders as needed pursuant to the terms of those master agreements. (3) Agreements under this section are limited to a duration of five years and work valued at less than $250,000 per year. (4) The requirements of chapter 39.04 RCW do not apply to contracts, agreements, or other arrangements between the department and nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and volunteer organizations, for the purposes set forth in this section. (5) Whenever volunteers or volunteer organizations are authorized to perform activities or carry out projects under this section or agreements entered into pursuant to this section, the volunteers or members of the volunteer organization may not be considered employees or agents of the department and the department is not subject to any liability whatsoever arising out of volunteer activities or projects. The liability of the department to volunteers and members of the volunteer organizations is limited in the same manner as provided for in RCW 4.24.210 . (6)(a) Nothing in this section shall diminish the responsibility of the department to protect the resources and access guaranteed to federally recognized Indian tribes in certain treaties made with the United States. (b) Nothing in this section shall alter, diminish, or expand the rights of any federally recognized Indian tribe with treaty reserved rights.
RCW 77.130.010 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 130 / Section 010
RCW 77.130.010: Unclaimed personal property—Disposition—Firearms.
Status: in_force

Whenever any personal property comes into the possession of the officers of the department in connection with the official performance of their duties and the personal property remains unclaimed or not taken away for a period of sixty days from the date of written notice to the owner thereof, if known, which notice shall inform the owner of the disposition that may be made of the property under this section and the time that the owner has to claim the property and in all other cases for a period of sixty days from the time the property came into the possession of the department, unless the property has been held as evidence in any court, then, in that event, after sixty days from date when the case has been finally disposed of and the property released as evidence by order of the court, the department may: (1) At any time thereafter sell the personal property at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash in the manner hereinafter provided; (2) Retain the property for the use of the department subject to giving notice in the manner prescribed in RCW 63.35.030 and the right of the owner, or the owner's legal representative, to reclaim the property within one year after receipt of notice, without compensation for ordinary wear and tear if, in the opinion of the director, the property consists of firearms or other items specifically usable in law enforcement work. At the end of each calendar year during which there has been such a retention, the department shall provide the office of financial management and retain for public inspection a list of such retained items and an estimation of each item's replacement value; (3) Destroy an item of personal property at the discretion of the director if the director determines that the following circumstances have occurred: (a) The property has no substantial commercial value or the probable cost of sale exceeds the value of the property; (b) The item has been unclaimed by any person after notice procedures have been met, as prescribed in this section; and (c) The director has determined that the item is illegal to possess or sell or unsafe and unable to be made safe for use by any member of the general public; (4) If the item is not unsafe or illegal to possess or sell, such item, after satisfying the notice requirements as prescribed in this section may be offered by the director to bona fide dealers, in trade for law enforcement equipment, which equipment must be treated as retained property for the purpose of annual listing requirements of subsection (2) of this section; or (5) At the end of one year, any unclaimed firearm must be disposed of pursuant to RCW 9.41.098 (2). Any other item that is not unsafe or illegal to possess or sell, but has been, or may be used, in the judgment of the director, in a manner that is illegal, may be destroyed.
RCW 77.12.140 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 140
RCW 77.12.140: Acquisition or sale of wildlife.
Status: in_force

The director, acting in a manner not inconsistent with criteria established by the commission, may obtain by purchase, gift, or exchange and may sell or transfer wildlife and their eggs for stocking, research, or propagation.
RCW 77.75.040 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 75 / Section 040
RCW 77.75.040: Pacific Marine Fisheries Compact—Representatives of state on Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission.
Status: in_force

A member selected by or a designee of the fish and wildlife commission, ex officio, and two appointees of the governor representing the fishing industry shall act as the representatives of this state on the Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission. The appointees of the governor are subject to confirmation by the state senate.
RCW 77.15.191 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 191
RCW 77.15.191: Revocation of trapper's license—Placement of unauthorized traps.
Status: in_force

The director may revoke the trapper's license of a person placing unauthorized traps on private property and may remove those traps.
RCW 77.32.565 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 32 / Section 565
RCW 77.32.565: Hunting and fishing opportunities for a terminally ill person—Provision of a license, tag, permit, or stamp without a fee—Rule-making authority.
Status: in_force

(1) In order to facilitate hunting and fishing opportunities for a terminally ill person, the director may provide any licenses, tags, permits, stamps, and other fees without charge including transaction and dealer fees. (2) The director may accept special permits or other special hunting opportunities, including raffle tags, auction tags, and multiple season opportunities from donors seeking to facilitate hunting opportunities for a terminally ill person. The director shall distribute these donations pursuant to rules adopted under subsection (4) of this section. (3) The director may take other actions consistent with facilitating hunting and fishing opportunities for a terminally ill person. These actions may include, but are not limited to, entering into agreements with willing landowners pursuant to RCW 77.12.320 . (4) In addition to rules required under subsection (2) of this section, the commission may adopt rules as necessary to effectuate the purpose and policies of this section.
RCW 77.12.201 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 201
RCW 77.12.201: Counties may elect to receive an amount in lieu of taxes—County to record collections for violations of law or rules—Deposit.
Status: in_force

The legislative authority of a county may elect, by giving written notice to the director and the treasurer prior to January 1st of any year, to obtain for the following year an amount in lieu of real property taxes on game lands as provided in RCW 77.12.203 . Upon the election, the county shall keep a record of all fines, forfeitures, reimbursements, and costs assessed and collected, in whole or in part, under this title for violations of law or rules adopted pursuant to this title, with the exception of the 2015-2017 and 2017-2019 fiscal biennia, and shall monthly remit an amount equal to the amount collected to the state treasurer for deposit in the state general fund. The election shall continue until the department is notified differently prior to January 1st of any year.
RCW 77.04.012 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 04 / Section 012
RCW 77.04.012: Mandate of department and commission.
Status: in_force

Wildlife, fish, and shellfish are the property of the state. The commission, director, and the department shall preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish in state waters and offshore waters. The department shall conserve the wildlife and food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources in a manner that does not impair the resource. In a manner consistent with this goal, the department shall seek to maintain the economic well-being and stability of the fishing industry in the state. The department shall promote orderly fisheries and shall enhance and improve recreational and commercial fishing in this state. The commission may authorize the taking of wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish only at times or places, or in manners or quantities, as in the judgment of the commission does not impair the supply of these resources. The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens. Recognizing that the management of our state wildlife, food fish, game fish, and shellfish resources depends heavily on the assistance of volunteers, the department shall work cooperatively with volunteer groups and individuals to achieve the goals of this title to the greatest extent possible. Nothing in this title shall be construed to infringe on the right of a private property owner to control the owner's private property.
RCW 77.100.100 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 100 / Section 100
RCW 77.100.100: Cedar river spawning channel.
Status: in_force

A salmon spawning channel shall be constructed on the Cedar river with the assistance and cooperation of the department. The department shall use existing personnel and the volunteer fisheries enhancement program outlined under chapter 77.100 RCW to assist in the planning, construction, and operation of the spawning channel.
RCW 77.15.410 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 410
RCW 77.15.410: Unlawful hunting of big game—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of big game in the second degree if the person: (a) Hunts for big game and, whether or not the person takes or possesses big game, the person has not purchased the appropriate license, permit, or tags required under this title; (b) Takes or possesses big game, but does not have in the person's possession the licenses, tags, or permits required under this title; (c) Takes or possesses big game and violates any department rule regarding seasons, bag or possession limits, closed areas including game reserves, closed times, or any other rule governing the hunting, taking, or possession of deer, elk, cougar, and black bear; (d) Hunts for big game and, whether or not the person takes or possesses big game, the person does not have in the person's possession the licenses, tags, or permits required under this title; and the act occurs within two years of the date of a prior committed finding of any big game hunting infraction under RCW 77.15.160 (6); or (e) Violates any department rule regarding seasons, bag or possession limits, closed areas including game reserves, closed times, or any other rule governing the hunting, taking, or possession of big game species other than deer, elk, cougar, or black bear. (2) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of big game in the first degree if the person commits the act described in subsection (1) of this section and: (a) The person hunts for, takes, or possesses three or more big game animals within the same course of events; or (b) The act occurs within five years of the date of a prior conviction under this title involving unlawful hunting, killing, possessing, or taking big game. (3)(a) Unlawful hunting of big game in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor. Upon conviction of an offense involving killing or possession of big game taken during a closed season, closed area, without the proper license, tag, or permit using an unlawful method, or in excess of the bag or possession limit, the department shall revoke all of the person's hunting licenses and tags and order a suspension of the person's hunting privileges for two years. Courts shall impose the mandatory penalty requirements of RCW 77.15.420 . (b) Unlawful hunting of big game in the first degree is a class C felony. Upon conviction, the department shall revoke all of the person's hunting licenses or tags and order the person's hunting privileges suspended for 10 years. Courts shall impose the mandatory penalty requirements of RCW 77.15.420 . (4) For the purposes of this section, "same course of events" means within one 72 hour period, or a common scheme or plan of a series of acts that are unlawful under subsection (1) of this section.
RCW 77.12.272 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 272
RCW 77.12.272: Elk hoof disease—Program to monitor and assess causes of and potential solutions for—Washington State University college of veterinary medicine designated as state lead.
Status: in_force

Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the legislature designates Washington State University college of veterinary medicine as the state lead in developing a program to monitor and assess causes of and potential solutions for elk hoof disease. The college must establish an elk monitoring system in southwest Washington in order to carry out this mission. In conducting this work, the college must work collaboratively with entities including the department, the state veterinarian, and any tribes with interest in participating. The college must provide regular updates, at minimum on an annual basis, to the appropriate committees of the legislature and the commission on its findings, program needs, and any recommendations.
RCW 77.08.045 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 08 / Section 045
RCW 77.08.045: Migratory waterfowl terms defined.
Status: in_force

As used in this title or rules adopted pursuant to this title: (1) "Migratory waterfowl" means members of the family Anatidae, including brants, ducks, geese, and swans; (2) "Migratory bird" means migratory waterfowl and coots, snipe, doves, and band-tailed pigeon; (3) "Migratory bird permit" means the permit that is required by RCW 77.32.350 to be in the possession of all persons to hunt migratory birds; and (4) "Prints and artwork" means replicas of the original stamp design that are sold to the general public. Prints and artwork are not to be construed to be the migratory bird permit that is required by RCW 77.32.350 . Artwork may be any facsimile of the original stamp design, including color renditions, metal duplications, or any other kind of design.
RCW 77.75.130 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 75 / Section 130
RCW 77.75.130: Snake river boundary—Purpose—Restrictions.
Status: in_force

The purpose of RCW 77.75.100 through 77.75.130 is to avoid the conflict, confusion, and difficulty of locating the state boundary in or on the boundary waters and islands of the Snake river. These sections do not allow the holder of a Washington license to fish or hunt on the shoreline, sloughs, or tributaries on the Idaho side, nor allow the holder of an Idaho license to fish or hunt on the shoreline, sloughs, or tributaries on the Washington side.
RCW 77.120.110 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 120 / Section 110
RCW 77.120.110: Ballast water and biofouling management account.
Status: in_force

(1) The ballast water and biofouling management account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from legislative appropriations, gifts, grants, donations, penalties, and fees received under this chapter must be deposited into the account. (2) Expenditures from the account may be used only to carry out the purposes of this chapter. However, penalties may not be used for the salaries of permanent department employees. (3) Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation.
RCW 77.15.096 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 096
RCW 77.15.096: Inspection without warrant—Commercial fish and wildlife entities—Limitations.
Status: in_force

(1) Fish and wildlife officers may inspect without warrant at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner: (a) The premises, containers, fishing equipment, fish, seaweed, shellfish, and wildlife of any commercial fisher or wholesale dealer or fish dealer; and (b) Records required by the department of any commercial fisher or wholesale fish buyer or fish dealer. (2) Fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers may inspect without warrant at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner: (a) The premises, containers, fishing equipment, fish, shellfish, wildlife, or covered animal species of any person trafficking or otherwise distributing or receiving fish, shellfish, wildlife, or covered animal species; (b) Records required by the department of any person trafficking or otherwise distributing or receiving fish, shellfish, wildlife, or covered animal species; (c) Any cold storage plant that a fish and wildlife officer has probable cause to believe contains fish, shellfish, or wildlife; (d) The premises, containers, fish, shellfish, wildlife, or covered animal species of any taxidermist or fur buyer; or (e) The records required by the department of any taxidermist or fur buyer. (3) Fish and wildlife officers may inspect without warrant, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, the records required by the department of any retail outlet selling fish, shellfish, or wildlife, and, if the officers have probable cause to believe a violation of this title or rules of the commission has occurred, they may inspect without warrant the premises, containers, and fish, shellfish, and wildlife of any retail outlet selling fish, shellfish, or wildlife. (4) Authority granted under this section does not extend to quarters in a boat, building, or other property used exclusively as a private domicile, does not extend to transitory residences in which a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, and does not allow search and seizure without a warrant if the thing or place is protected from search without warrant within the meaning of Article I, section 7 of the state Constitution.
RCW 77.135.180 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 135 / Section 180
RCW 77.135.180: Chapter must be liberally construed.
Status: in_force

The provisions of this chapter must be liberally construed to carry out the intent of the legislature.
RCW 77.32.545 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 32 / Section 545
RCW 77.32.545: Removal of trap—Identification of traps—Disclosure of identities.
Status: in_force

A property owner, lessee, or tenant may remove a trap placed on the owner's, lessee's, or tenant's posted or fenced property by a trapper. Trappers shall attach to the chain of their traps or devices a legible metal tag with either the department identification number of the trapper or the name and address of the trapper in English letters not less than one-eighth inch in height. When a property owner, lessee, or tenant presents a trapper identification number to the department for a trap found upon the property of the owner, lessee, or tenant and requests identification of the trapper, the department shall provide the requestor with the name and address of the trapper. Prior to disclosure of the trapper's name and address, the department shall obtain the name and address of the requesting individual in writing and after disclosing the trapper's name and address to the requesting individual, the requesting individual's name and address shall be disclosed in writing to the trapper whose name and address was disclosed.
RCW 77.60.030 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 60 / Section 030
RCW 77.60.030: State oyster reserves management policy—Personal use harvesting—Inventory—Management categories—Cultch permits.
Status: in_force

It is the policy of the state to improve state oyster reserves so that they are productive and yield a revenue sufficient for their maintenance. In fixing the price of oysters and other shellfish sold from the reserves, the director shall take into consideration this policy. It is also the policy of the state to maintain the oyster reserves to furnish shellfish to growers and processors and to stock public beaches. Shellfish may be harvested from state oyster reserves for personal use as prescribed by rule of the director. The director shall periodically inventory the state oyster reserves and assign the reserve lands into management categories: (1) Native Olympia oyster broodstock reserves; (2) Commercial shellfish harvesting zones; (3) Commercial shellfish propagation zones designated for long-term leasing to private aquaculturists; (4) Public recreational shellfish harvesting zones; (5) Unproductive land. The director shall manage each category of oyster reserve land to maximize the sustained yield production of shellfish consistent with the purpose for establishment of each management category. The commission shall develop an oyster reserve management plan, to include recommendations for leasing reserve lands, in coordination with the shellfish industry, by January 1, 1986. The director shall protect, reseed, improve the habitat of, and replant state oyster reserves. The director shall also issue cultch permits and oyster reserve fishery licenses.
RCW 77.95.070 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 95 / Section 070
RCW 77.95.070: Regional fisheries enhancement groups—Goals.
Status: in_force

Regional fisheries enhancement groups, consistent with the long-term regional policy statements developed under RCW 77.95.020 , shall seek to: (1) Enhance the salmon and steelhead resources of the state; (2) Maximize volunteer efforts and private donations to improve the salmon and steelhead resources for all citizens; (3) Assist the department in achieving the goal to double the statewide salmon and steelhead catch by the year 2000; and (4) Develop projects designed to supplement the fishery enhancement capability of the department.
RCW 77.44.010 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 44 / Section 010
RCW 77.44.010: Warm water game fish enhancement program—Created.
Status: in_force

A warm water game fish enhancement program is created in the department. The enhancement program shall be designed to increase the opportunities to fish for and catch warm water game fish including: Largemouth black bass, smallmouth black bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, and tiger musky. The program shall be designed to use a practical applied approach to increasing warm water fishing. The department shall use the funds available efficiently to assure the greatest increase in the fishing for warm water fish at the lowest cost. This approach shall involve the minimization of overhead and administrative costs and the maximization of productive in-the-field activities.
RCW 77.15.194 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 194
RCW 77.15.194: Unlawful traps—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) It is unlawful to use or authorize the use of any steel-jawed leghold trap, neck snare, or other body-gripping trap to capture any mammal for recreation or commerce in fur. (2) It is unlawful to knowingly buy, sell, barter, or otherwise exchange, or offer to buy, sell, barter, or otherwise exchange the raw fur of a mammal or a mammal that has been trapped in this state with a steel-jawed leghold trap or any other body-gripping trap, whether or not pursuant to permit. (3) It is unlawful to use or authorize the use of any steel-jawed leghold trap or any other body-gripping trap to capture any animal, except as provided in subsections (4) through (6) of this section. (4) Nothing in this section prohibits the use of a Conibear trap in water, a padded leghold trap, or a nonstrangling type foot snare with a special permit granted by the director under (a) through (d) of this subsection. Issuance of the special permits shall be governed by rules adopted by the department and in accordance with the requirements of this section. Every person granted a special permit to use a trap or device listed in this subsection shall check the trap or device at least every twenty-four hours. (a) Nothing in this section prohibits the director, in consultation with the department of social and health services or the United States department of health and human services from granting a permit to use traps listed in this subsection for the purpose of protecting people from threats to their health and safety. (b) Nothing in this section prohibits the director from granting a special permit to use traps listed in this subsection to a person who applies for such a permit in writing, and who establishes that there exists on a property an animal problem that has not been and cannot be reasonably abated by the use of nonlethal control tools, including but not limited to guard animals, electric fencing, or box and cage traps, or if such nonlethal means cannot be reasonably applied. Upon making a finding in writing that the animal problem has not been and cannot be reasonably abated by nonlethal control tools or if the tools cannot be reasonably applied, the director may authorize the use, setting, placing, or maintenance of the traps for a period not to exceed thirty days. (c) Nothing in this section prohibits the director from granting a special permit to department employees or agents to use traps listed in this subsection where the use of the traps is the only practical means of protecting threatened or endangered species as designated under RCW 77.08.010 . (d) Nothing in this section prohibits the director from issuing a permit to use traps listed in this subsection, excluding Conibear traps, for the conduct of legitimate wildlife research. (5) Nothing in this section prohibits the United States fish and wildlife service, its employees or agents, from using a trap listed in subsection (4) of this section where the fish and wildlife service determines, in consultation with the director, that the use of such traps is necessary to protect species listed as threatened or endangered under the federal endangered species act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.). (6)(a) An airport operator that uses a padded foot, leghold, or any other body-gripping trap for the protection of human and aviation security to secure an animal is exempt from the provisions of subsection (3) of this section if: (i) Once every three years, the airport operator obtains a special permit from the director for this purpose; and (ii) once each year, the airport operator submits a report to the director detailing the previous year's activities regulated under subsection (3) of this section. (b) Nothing under this subsection (6) authorizes an airport operator to sell the raw fur of a mammal or otherwise violate the provisions of subsection (2) of this section. (c) For the purposes of this subsection, "airport operator" has the same meaning as defined in RCW 14.08.015 . (7) A person violating this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
RCW 77.08.030 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 08 / Section 030
RCW 77.08.030: "Big game" defined.
Status: in_force

As used in this title or rules of the commission, "big game" means the following species: Scientific Name Common Name Cervus canadensis elk or wapiti Odocoileus hemionus blacktail deer or mule deer Odocoileus virginianus whitetail deer Alces americana moose Oreamnos americanus mountain goat Rangifer caribou caribou Ovis canadensis mountain sheep Antilocapra americana pronghorn antelope Felis concolor cougar or mountain lion Euarctos americana black bear Ursus horribilis grizzly bear
RCW 77.15.522 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 522
RCW 77.15.522: Unlawful use of shellfish gear for commercial purposes—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of the unlawful use of shellfish gear for commercial purposes if the person: (a) Takes, fishes for, or possesses crab, shrimp, or crawfish for commercial purposes with shellfish gear that is constructed or altered in a manner that violates any rule of the commission relating to required gear design specifications; or (b) Is found in possession of, upon any vessel located on the waters of the state, shellfish gear that is constructed or altered in a manner that violates any rule of the commission relating to required gear design specifications, unless a person holds a valid crab pot removal permit under RCW 77.70.500 and is in the process of transporting removed crab pots as part of the Dungeness crab pot removal program. (2) The unlawful use of shellfish gear for commercial purposes is a gross misdemeanor.
RCW 77.65.380 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 380
RCW 77.65.380: Ocean pink shrimp—Defined.
Status: in_force

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, as used in this chapter "ocean pink shrimp" means the species Pandalus jordani.
RCW 77.100.160 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 100 / Section 160
RCW 77.100.160: Cedar river spawning channel—Mitigation of water diversion projects.
Status: in_force

Should the requirements of RCW 77.100.100 through 77.100.160 not be met, the department shall seek immediate legal clarification of the steps which must be taken to fully mitigate water diversion projects on the Cedar river.
RCW 77.135.070 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 135 / Section 070
RCW 77.135.070: Infested site management actions.
Status: in_force

(1) The department may implement infested site management actions where a prohibited level 2 species is detected in or on a water body or property. Infested site management actions may: Include long-term actions to contain, control, or eradicate the prohibited species; and, if applicable, be implemented in conjunction with a quarantine declaration. Infested site management actions must be terminated by the department when it determines that the targeted prohibited level 2 species are: (a) Eradicated; (b) Contained or controlled without need for further management actions; or (c) Reclassified for that water body. (2) The department must consult with affected state and federal agencies, tribes, local governments, and private water body or property owners prior to implementing infested site management actions. The purpose of the consultation is to support mutual assistance and cooperation in providing an effective and efficient response to contain, control, and eradicate, if feasible, a prohibited level 2 species. (3) The department may enter into cooperative agreements with national, regional, state, and local infested site management action partners to establish management responsibilities, secure or prepare submission-ready environmental permits, and identify mutual assistance commitments. (4) In implementing infested site management actions, the department may enter upon property consistent with the process established under RCW 77.135.170 .
RCW 77.65.090 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 090
RCW 77.65.090: Vessel substitution—Fees.
Status: in_force

This section applies to all commercial fishery licenses, delivery licenses, and charter licenses, except for emergency salmon delivery licenses. (1) The holder of a license subject to this section may substitute the vessel designated on the license or designate a vessel if none has previously been designated if the license holder: (a) Surrenders the previously issued license to the department; (b) Submits to the department an application that identifies the currently designated vessel, the vessel proposed to be designated, and any other information required by the department; and (c) Pays to the department a fee of thirty-five dollars and an application fee of one hundred five dollars. (2) Unless the license holder owns all vessels identified on the application described in subsection (1)(b) of this section or unless the vessel is designated on a Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license, the following restrictions apply to changes in vessel designation: (a) The department shall change the vessel designation on the license no more than four times per calendar year. (b) The department shall change the vessel designation on the license no more than once in any seven-day period.
RCW 77.12.850 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 850
RCW 77.12.850: Definitions.
Status: in_force

The definitions in this section apply throughout RCW 77.12.850 through 77.12.860 unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Salmon" means all species of the genus Oncorhynchus, except those classified as game fish in this title, and includes: Scientific Name Common Name Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch Coho salmon Oncorhynchus keta Chum salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha Pink salmon Oncorhynchus nerka Sockeye salmon (2) "Department" means the department of fish and wildlife. (3) "Stamp" means the stamp created under the Washington salmon stamp program and the Washington junior salmon stamp program, created in RCW 77.12.850 through 77.12.860 .
RCW 77.15.580 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 580
RCW 77.15.580: Unlawful use of net to take fish—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a net to take fish in the second degree if the person: (a) Lays, sets, uses, or controls a net or other device or equipment capable of taking fish from the waters of this state, except if the person has a valid license for such fishing gear from the director under this title and is acting in accordance with all rules of the commission and director; or (b) Fails to return unauthorized fish to the water immediately while otherwise lawfully operating a net under a valid license. (2) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a net to take fish in the first degree if the person: (a) Commits the act described by subsection (1) of this section; and (b) The violation occurs within five years of entry of a prior conviction for a gross misdemeanor or felony under this title involving fish, other than a recreational fishing violation, or involving unlawful use of nets. (3)(a) Unlawful use of a net to take fish in the second degree is a gross misdemeanor. Upon conviction, the department shall revoke any license held under this title allowing commercial net fishing used in connection with the crime. (b) Unlawful use of a net to take fish in the first degree is a class C felony. Upon conviction, the department shall order a one-year suspension of all commercial fishing privileges requiring a license under this title. (4) Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) of this section, it is lawful to use a landing net to land fish otherwise legally hooked.
RCW 77.65.500 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 500
RCW 77.65.500: Reports required from persons with licenses or permits under RCW 77.65.480.
Status: in_force

Licensed taxidermists, fur dealers, fishing guides, game farmers, and persons stocking game fish or conducting a hunting, fishing, or field trial contest shall make reports as required by rules of the director.
RCW 77.12.220 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 220
RCW 77.12.220: Acquisition or transfer of property.
Status: in_force

*** CHANGE IN 2026 *** (SEE 6003-S.SL ) ***

For purposes of this title, the commission may make agreements to obtain real or personal property or to transfer or convey property held by the state to the United States or its agencies or instrumentalities, units of local government of this state, public service companies, or other persons, if in the judgment of the commission and the attorney general the transfer and conveyance is consistent with public interest. For purposes of this section, "local government" means any city, town, county, special district, municipal corporation, or quasi-municipal corporation. If the commission agrees to a transfer or conveyance under this section or to a sale or return of real property under RCW 77.12.210 , the director shall certify, with the attorney general, to the governor that the agreement has been made. The certification shall describe the real property. The governor then may execute and the secretary of state attest and deliver to the appropriate entity or person the instrument necessary to fulfill the agreement. During the 2025-2027 fiscal biennium, this section does not apply to the sale of land pursuant to section 3102, chapter 414, Laws of 2025.
RCW 77.12.068 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 068
RCW 77.12.068: Dissemination of information about RCW 77.15.740 and responsible wildlife viewing.
Status: in_force

The department and the state parks and recreation commission shall disseminate information about RCW 77.15.740 , whale and wildlife viewing guidelines, and other responsible wildlife viewing messages to educate Washington's citizens on how to reduce the risk of disturbing southern resident orca whales. The department and the state parks and recreation commission must, at minimum, disseminate this information on their internet sites and through appropriate agency publications, brochures, and other information sources. The department and the state parks and recreation commission shall also attempt to reach the state's boating community by coordinating with appropriate state and nongovernmental entities to provide this information at marinas, boat shows, boat dealers, during boating safety training courses, and in conjunction with vessel registration or licensing.
RCW 77.65.615 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 615
RCW 77.65.615: Commercial whale watching business license—Commercial whale watching operator license—Paddle tour business license—Paddle guide license—Fees—Definitions.
Status: in_force

(1) A commercial whale watching business license is required for commercial whale watching businesses. The annual fee for a commercial whale watching business license is $200 in addition to the annual application fee of $70. (2) The annual application for a commercial whale watching business license as described in subsection (1) of this section must list each motorized or sailing vessel to be covered under the business license. (3) The holder of a commercial whale watching business license for motorized or sailing vessels required under subsection (2) of this section may designate an additional vessel on the license if the license holder submits to the department an application that identifies the vessel proposed to be designated and any other information required by the department. (4) A commercial whale watching operator license is required for commercial whale watching operators. A person may operate a motorized or sailing commercial whale watching vessel designated on a commercial whale watching business license only if: (a) The person holds a commercial whale watching operator license issued by the director; and (b) The person is designated as an operator on the underlying commercial whale watching business license. (5) No individual may hold more than one commercial whale watching operator license. An individual who holds an operator license may be designated as an operator on an unlimited number of commercial whale watching business licenses. (6) The annual application fee for a commercial whale watching operator license is $25. (7) A paddle tour business license is required for businesses conducting paddle tours. The annual fee for a paddle tour business license is $200 in addition to the annual application fee of $70. (8) A person may conduct guided paddle tours only if: (a) The person holds a paddle guide license issued by the director; and (b) The person is designated as a guide on the underlying paddle tour business license. (9) No individual may hold more than one paddle guide license. An individual who holds a paddle guide license may be designated on an unlimited number of paddle tour business licenses. (10) The annual application fee for a paddle guide license is $25. (11) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (a) "Commercial whale watching" means the act of taking, or offering to take, passengers aboard a motorized or sailing vessel to view marine mammals in their natural habitat for a fee. (b) "Commercial whale watching business" means a business that engages in the activity of commercial whale watching. (c) "Commercial whale watching business license" means a department-issued license to operate a commercial whale watching business. (d) "Commercial whale watching license" means a commercial whale watching business license or a commercial whale watching operator license as defined in this section. (e) "Commercial whale watching operator" means a person who operates a motorized or sailing vessel engaged in the business of whale watching. (f) "Commercial whale watching operator license" means a department-issued license to operate a commercial motorized or sailing vessel on behalf of a commercial whale watching business. (g) "Commercial whale watching vessel" means any vessel that is being used as a means of transportation for individuals to engage in commercial whale watching. (h) "Paddle guide" means a person who conducts guided tours on behalf of a paddle tour business. (i) "Paddle guide license" means a department-issued license to conduct commercial guided paddle tours on behalf of a paddle tour business. (j) "Paddle tour business" means a business that conducts paddle tours. (k) "Paddle tour" means the act of guiding or offering to take people aboard nonmotorized or human-powered vessels, such as kayaks or paddleboards, on a trip, tour, or guided lesson that involves viewing marine mammals in their natural habitat for a fee. (12) The residency and business requirements of RCW 77.65.040 (2) and (3) do not apply to Canadian individuals or corporations applying for and holding Washington commercial whale watching licenses defined in this section. (13) The license and application fees in this section may be waived for organizations whose relevant commercial whale watching or marine paddle tour activities are solely for bona fide nonprofit educational purposes.
RCW 77.70.290 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 290
RCW 77.70.290: Crab taken in offshore waters—Criteria for landing in Washington state—Limitations.
Status: in_force

(1) The director shall allow the landing into Washington state of crab taken in offshore waters only if: (a) The crab are legally caught and landed by fishers with a valid Washington state Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license; or (b)(i) The director determines that the landing of offshore Dungeness crab by fishers without a Washington state Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license is in the best interest of the coastal crab processing industry; (ii) the director has been requested to allow such landings by at least three Dungeness crab processors; (iii) the landings are permitted only between the dates of December 1st to February 15th inclusively; (iv) only crab fishers commercially licensed to fish by Oregon or California are permitted to land, if the crab was taken with gear that consisted of one buoy attached to each crab pot, and each crab pot was fished individually; (v) the fisher landing the crab has obtained a valid delivery license; and (vi) the decision is made on a case-by-case basis for the sole reason of improving the economic stability of the commercial crab fishery. (2) Nothing in this section allows the commercial fishing of Dungeness crab in waters within three miles of Washington state by fishers who do not possess a valid Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license. Landings of offshore Dungeness crab by fishers without a valid Dungeness crab-coastal fishery license do not qualify the fisher for such licenses.
RCW 77.120.100 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 120 / Section 100
RCW 77.120.100: Department may assess fee for exemptions—Rules.
Status: in_force

The department may assess a fee for any exemptions allowed under this chapter. Such a fee may not exceed five thousand dollars. The department may establish by rule schedules for any fee allowed in this chapter. The schedules may provide for the incremental assessment of a penalty based on criteria established by rule.
RCW 77.15.730 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 730
RCW 77.15.730: Wildlife violator compact citations and convictions.
Status: in_force

(1) Upon receipt of a report of failure to comply with the terms of a citation issued for a recreational violation from the licensing authority of a state that is a party to the wildlife violator compact under RCW 77.75.070 , the department shall suspend the violator's recreational license privileges under this title until there is satisfactory evidence of compliance with the terms of the wildlife citation. The department shall adopt by rule procedures for the timely notification and administrative review of such suspension of recreational licensing privileges. (2) Upon receipt of a report of a conviction for a recreational offense from the licensing authority of a state that is a party to the wildlife violator compact under RCW 77.75.070 , the department shall enter such conviction in its records and shall treat such conviction as if it occurred in the state of Washington for the purposes of suspension, revocation, or forfeiture of recreational license privileges.
RCW 77.70.060 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 060
RCW 77.70.060: Salmon charter boats—Angler permit, when required.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, a person shall not operate a vessel as a charter boat from which salmon are taken in salt water without an angler permit. The angler permit shall specify the maximum number of persons that may fish from the charter boat per trip. The angler permit expires if the salmon charter license is not renewed. (2) Only a person who holds a salmon charter license issued under RCW 77.65.150 and 77.70.050 may hold an angler permit. (3) An angler permit shall not be required for charter boats licensed in Oregon and fishing in ocean waters within the jurisdiction of Washington state from the southern border of the state of Washington to Leadbetter Point under the same regulations as Washington charter boat operators, as long as the Oregon vessel does not land at any Washington port with the purpose of taking on or discharging passengers. The provisions of this subsection shall be in effect as long as the state of Oregon has reciprocal laws and regulations.
RCW 77.95.020 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 95 / Section 020
RCW 77.95.020: Long-term regional policy statements.
Status: in_force

(1) The commission shall develop long-term regional policy statements regarding the salmon fishery resources before December 1, 1985. The commission shall consider the following in formulating and updating regional policy statements: (a) Existing resource needs; (b) Potential for creation of new resources; (c) Successful existing programs, both within and outside the state; (d) Balanced utilization of natural and hatchery production; (e) Desires of the fishing interest; (f) Need for additional data or research; (g) Federal court orders; and (h) Salmon advisory council recommendations. (2) The commission shall review and update each policy statement at least once each year.
RCW 77.50.010 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 50 / Section 010
RCW 77.50.010: Limitations on commercial fishing for salmon in Puget Sound waters.
Status: in_force

(1) The commission may authorize commercial fishing for sockeye salmon within the waters described in subsection (2) of this section only during the period June 10th to July 25th and for other salmon only from the second Monday of September through November 30th, except during the hours between 4:00 p.m. of Friday and 4:00 p.m. of the following Sunday. (2) All waters east and south of a line commencing at a concrete monument on Angeles Point in Clallam county near the mouth of the Elwha River on which is inscribed "Angeles Point Monument" (latitude 48° 9' 3" north, longitude 123° 33' 01" west of Greenwich Meridian); thence running east on a line 81° 30' true across the flashlight and bell buoy off Partridge Point and thence continued to longitude 122° 40' west; thence north to the southerly shore of Sinclair Island; thence along the southerly shore of the island to the most easterly point of the island; thence 46° true to Carter Point, the most southerly point of Lummi Island; thence northwesterly along the westerly shore line of Lummi Island to where the shore line intersects line of longitude 122° 40' west; thence north to the mainland, including: The southerly portion of Hale Passage, Bellingham Bay, Padilla Bay, Fidalgo Bay, Guemes Channel, Skagit Bay, Similk Bay, Saratoga Passage, Holmes Harbor, Possession Sound, Admiralty Inlet, Hood Canal, Puget Sound, and their inlets, passages, waters, waterways, and tributaries. (3) The commission may authorize commercial fishing for salmon with gill net, purse seine, and other lawful gear prior to the second Monday in September within the waters of Hale Passage, Bellingham Bay, Samish Bay, Padilla Bay, Fidalgo Bay, Guemes Channel, Skagit Bay, and Similk Bay, to wit: Those waters northerly and easterly of a line commencing at Stanwood, thence along the south shore of Skagit Bay to Rocky Point on Camano Island; thence northerly to Polnell Point on Whidbey Island. (4) Whenever the commission determines that a stock or run of salmon cannot be harvested in the usual manner, and that the stock or run of salmon may be in danger of being wasted and surplus to natural or artificial spawning requirements, the commission may authorize units of gill net and purse seine gear in any number or equivalents, by time and area, to fully utilize the harvestable portions of these salmon runs for the economic well being of the citizens of this state. Gill net and purse seine gear other than emergency and test gear authorized by the director shall not be used in Lake Washington. (5) The commission may authorize commercial fishing for pink salmon in each odd-numbered year from August 1st through September 1st in the waters lying inside of a line commencing at the most easterly point of Dungeness Spit and thence projected to Point Partridge on Whidbey Island and a line commencing at Olele Point and thence projected easterly to Bush Point on Whidbey Island.
RCW 77.85.200 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 85 / Section 200
RCW 77.85.200: Salmon and steelhead recovery program—Management board—Duties.
Status: in_force

(1) A program for salmon and steelhead recovery is established in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Skamania, and Wahkiakum counties within the habitat areas classified as the lower Columbia evolutionarily significant units by the federal national marine fisheries service. The management board created under subsection (2) of this section is responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of the habitat portion of the salmon and steelhead recovery plan and is empowered to receive and disburse funds for the salmon and steelhead recovery initiatives. The management board created pursuant to this section shall constitute the lead entity and the committee established under RCW 77.85.050 responsible for fulfilling the requirements and exercising powers under this chapter. (2) A management board consisting of fifteen voting members is created within the lower Columbia evolutionarily significant units. The members shall consist of one county commissioner or designee from each of the five participating counties selected by each county legislative authority; one member representing the cities contained within the lower Columbia evolutionarily significant units as a voting member selected by the cities in the lower Columbia evolutionarily significant units; a representative of the Cowlitz Tribe appointed by the tribe; one state legislator elected from one of the legislative districts contained within the lower Columbia evolutionarily significant units selected by that group of state legislators representing the area; five representatives to include at least one member who represents private property interests appointed by the five county commissioners or designees; one hydro utility representative nominated by hydro utilities and appointed by the five county commissioners or designees; and one representative nominated from the environmental community who resides in the lower Columbia evolutionarily significant units appointed by the five county commissioners or designees. The board shall appoint and consult a technical advisory committee, which shall include four representatives of state agencies one each appointed by the directors of the departments of ecology, fish and wildlife, and transportation, and the commissioner of public lands. The board may also appoint additional persons to the technical advisory committee as needed. The chair of the board shall be selected from among the members of the management board by the five county commissioners or designees and the legislator on the board. In making appointments under this subsection, the county commissioners shall consider recommendations of interested parties. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were selected. No action may be brought or maintained against any management board member, the management board, or any of its agents, officers, or employees for any noncontractual acts or omissions in carrying out the purposes of this section. (3)(a) The management board shall participate in the development of a habitat recovery plan to implement its responsibilities under (b) of this subsection. The management board shall consider local watershed efforts and activities as well as habitat conservation plans in the development and implementation of the recovery plan. Any of the participating counties may continue its own efforts for restoring steelhead habitat. Nothing in this section limits the authority of units of local government to enter into interlocal agreements under chapter 39.34 RCW or any other provision of law. (b) The management board is responsible for the development of a lower Columbia salmon and steelhead habitat recovery plan and for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the plan. The management board will submit all future plans and amendments to plans to the governor's salmon recovery office for the incorporation of hatchery, harvest, and hydropower components of the statewide salmon recovery strategy for all submissions to the national marine fisheries service. In developing and implementing the habitat recovery plan, the management board will work with appropriate federal and state agencies, tribal governments, local governments, and the public to make sure hatchery, harvest, and hydropower components receive consideration in context with the habitat component. The management board may work in cooperation with the state and the national marine fisheries service to modify the plan, or to address habitat for other aquatic species that may be subsequently listed under the federal endangered species act. The management board may not exercise authority over land or water within the individual counties or otherwise preempt the authority of any units of local government. (c) The management board shall prioritize as appropriate and approve projects and programs related to the recovery of lower Columbia river salmon and steelhead runs, including the funding of those projects and programs, and coordinate local government efforts as prescribed in the recovery plan. The management board shall establish criteria for funding projects and programs based upon their likely value in salmon and steelhead recovery. The management board may consider local economic impact among the criteria, but jurisdictional boundaries and factors related to jurisdictional population may not be considered as part of the criteria. (d) The management board shall assess the factors for decline along each tributary basin in the lower Columbia. The management board is encouraged to take a stream-by-stream approach in conducting the assessment which utilizes state and local expertise, including volunteer groups, interest groups, and affected units of local government. (4) The management board has the authority to hire and fire staff, including an executive director, enter into contracts, accept grants and other moneys, disburse funds, make recommendations to cities and counties about potential code changes and the development of programs and incentives upon request, pay all necessary expenses, and may choose a fiduciary agent. The management board shall report on its progress on a biennial basis to the legislative bodies of the five participating counties and the state natural resource-related agencies. The management board shall prepare a final report at the conclusion of the program describing its efforts and successes in developing and implementing the lower Columbia salmon and steelhead recovery plan. The final report shall be transmitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature, the legislative bodies of the participating counties, and the state natural resource-related agencies. (5) For purposes of this section, "evolutionarily significant unit" means the habitat area identified for an evolutionarily significant unit of an aquatic species listed or proposed for listing as a threatened or endangered species under the federal endangered species act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.).
RCW 77.65.400 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 400
RCW 77.65.400: Emerging commercial fishery—Trial or experimental fishery—Licenses and permits.
Status: in_force

(1) The director may by rule designate a fishery as an emerging commercial fishery. The director shall include in the designation whether the fishery is one that requires a vessel. (2) "Emerging commercial fishery" means the commercial taking of a newly classified species of food fish or shellfish, the commercial taking of a classified species with gear not previously used for that species, or the commercial taking of a classified species in an area from which that species has not previously been commercially taken. Any species of food fish or shellfish commercially harvested in Washington state as of June 7, 1990, may be designated as a species in an emerging commercial fishery, except that no fishery subject to a license limitation program in chapter 77.70 RCW may be designated as an emerging commercial fishery. (3) A person shall not take food fish or shellfish in a fishery designated as an emerging commercial fishery without an emerging commercial fishery license and a permit from the director. The director shall issue two types of permits to accompany emerging commercial fishery licenses: Trial fishery permits and experimental fishery permits. Trial fishery permits are governed by subsection (4) of this section. Experimental fishery permits are governed by RCW 77.70.160 . (4) The director shall issue trial fishery permits for a fishery designated as an emerging commercial fishery unless the director determines there is a need to limit the number of participants under RCW 77.70.160 . A person who meets the qualifications of RCW 77.65.040 may hold a trial fishery permit. The holder of a trial fishery permit shall comply with the terms of the permit. Trial fishery permits are not transferable from the permit holder to any other person.
RCW 77.12.800 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 800
RCW 77.12.800: Pheasant hunting—Opportunities for juvenile hunters.
Status: in_force

The commission must establish special pheasant hunting opportunities for juvenile hunters in eastern Washington for the 1998 season and future seasons.
RCW 77.15.212 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 212
RCW 77.15.212: Damages due to violation of RCW 77.15.210—Civil action.
Status: in_force

Any person who is damaged by any act prohibited in RCW 77.15.210 may bring a civil action to enjoin further violations, and recover damages sustained, including a reasonable attorneys' fee. The trial court may increase the award of damages to an amount not to exceed three times the damages sustained. A party seeking civil damages under this section may recover upon proof of a violation by a preponderance of the evidence. The state of Washington may bring a civil action to enjoin violations of this section.
RCW 77.57.010 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 57 / Section 010
RCW 77.57.010: Fish guards required on diversion devices—Penalties, remedies for failure.
Status: in_force

(1) A diversion device used for conducting water from a lake, river, or stream for any purpose shall be equipped with a fish guard approved by the director to prevent the passage of fish into the diversion device. The fish guard shall be maintained at all times when water is taken into the diversion device. The fish guards shall be installed at places and times prescribed by the director upon thirty days' notice to the owner of the diversion device. (2) Each day the diversion device is not equipped with an approved fish guard is a separate offense. If within thirty days after notice to equip a diversion device the owner fails to do so, the director may take possession of the diversion device and close the device until it is properly equipped. Expenses incurred by the department constitute the value of a lien upon the diversion device and upon the real and personal property of the owner. Notice of the lien shall be filed and recorded in the office of the county auditor of the county in which the action is taken.
RCW 77.100.050 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 100 / Section 050
RCW 77.100.050: Duties of department.
Status: in_force

(1) The department shall: (a) Encourage and support the establishment of cooperative agreements for the development and operation of cooperative food fish, shellfish, game fish, game bird, game animal, and nongame wildlife projects, and projects which provide an opportunity for volunteer groups to become involved in resource and habitat-oriented activities. All cooperative projects shall be fairly considered in the approval of cooperative agreements; (b) Identify regions and species or activities that would be particularly suitable for cooperative projects providing benefits compatible with department goals; (c) Determine the availability of rearing space at operating facilities or of net pens, egg boxes, portable rearing containers, incubators, and any other rearing facilities for use in cooperative projects, and allocate them to volunteer groups as fairly as possible; (d) Make viable eggs available for replenishing fish runs, and salmon carcasses for nutrient enhancement of streams. If a regional fisheries enhancement group, lead entity, volunteer cooperative group, federally approved tribe in Washington, or a governmental hatchery in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho requests the department for viable eggs, the department must include the request within the brood stock document prepared for review by the regional offices. The eggs shall be distributed in accordance with the priority established in RCW 77.95.210 if they are available. A request for viable eggs may only be denied if the eggs would not be useful for propagation or salmon recovery purposes, as determined under RCW 77.95.210 ; (e) Exempt volunteer groups from payment of fees to the department for activities related to the project; (f) Publicize the cooperative program; (g) Not substitute a new cooperative project for any part of the department's program unless mutually agreeable to the department and volunteer group; (h) Not approve agreements that are incompatible with legally existing land, water, or property rights. (2) The department may, when requested, provide to volunteer groups its available professional expertise and assist the volunteer group to evaluate its project. The department must conduct annual workshops in each administrative region of the department that has fish stocks listed as threatened or endangered under the federal endangered species act, 16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq., in order to assist volunteer groups with egg rearing, share information on successful salmon recovery projects accomplished by volunteers within the state, and provide basic training on monitoring efforts that can be accomplished by volunteers in order to help determine if their efforts are successful.
RCW 77.55.111 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 55 / Section 111
RCW 77.55.111: Habitat incentives agreement.
Status: in_force

When a private landowner is applying for a permit under this chapter and that landowner has entered into a habitat incentives agreement with the department and the department of natural resources as provided in RCW 77.55.121 , the department shall comply with the terms of that agreement when evaluating the request for a permit.
RCW 77.15.610 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 610
RCW 77.15.610: Unlawful use of a commercial wildlife license—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person who holds a fur dealer's license or taxidermy license is guilty of unlawful use of a commercial wildlife license if the person fails to purchase and have in the person's possession the required license while engaged in fur buying or practicing taxidermy for commercial purposes. (2) Unlawful use of a commercial wildlife license is a misdemeanor.
RCW 77.15.065 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 065
RCW 77.15.065: Authority of attorney general if prosecuting attorney defaults.
Status: in_force

If the prosecuting attorney of the county in which a violation of this title or rule of the department occurs fails to file an information against the alleged violator, the attorney general upon request of the commission may file an information in the superior court of the county and prosecute the case in place of the prosecuting attorney. The commission may request prosecution by the attorney general if thirty days have passed since the commission informed the county prosecuting attorney of the alleged violation.
RCW 77.70.400 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 400
RCW 77.70.400: Coastal Dungeness crab resource plan.
Status: in_force

The department, with input from Dungeness crab — coastal fishery licensees and processors, shall prepare a resource plan to achieve even-flow harvesting and long-term stability of the coastal Dungeness crab resource. The plan may include pot limits, further reduction in the number of vessels, individual quotas, trip limits, area quotas, or other measures as determined by the department. The provisions of such a resource plan that are designed to effect a gear reduction or effort reduction based upon historical landing criteria are subject to the provisions of RCW 77.70.390 with respect to the consideration of extenuating circumstances.
RCW 77.75.140 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 75 / Section 140
RCW 77.75.140: Treaty between United States and Canada concerning Pacific salmon.
Status: in_force

The commission may adopt and enforce the provisions of the treaty between the government of the United States and the government of Canada concerning Pacific salmon, treaty document number 99-2, entered into force March 18, 1985, at Quebec City, Canada, and the regulations of the commission adopted under authority of the treaty.
RCW 77.15.400 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 400
RCW 77.15.400: Unlawful hunting of wild birds—Violation of a rule requiring nontoxic shot—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild birds in the second degree if the person hunts for wild birds and, whether or not the person possesses wild birds, the person has not purchased the appropriate hunting license, tags, stamps, and permits issued to Washington residents or nonresidents under chapter 77.32 RCW. (2) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild birds in the second degree if the person takes or possesses less than two times the bag or possession limit of wild birds and the person: (a) Owns, but does not have in the person's possession, all licenses, tags, stamps, and permits required under this title; or (b) Violates any department rule regarding seasons, bag or possession limits, closed areas, closed times, or the manner or method of hunting or possession of wild birds. (3) A person is guilty of unlawful hunting of wild birds in the first degree if the person takes or possesses two times or more than the possession or bag limit for wild birds allowed by department rule. (4)(a) Unlawful hunting of wild birds in the second degree is a misdemeanor. (b) Unlawful hunting of wild birds in the first degree is a gross misdemeanor. (5) In addition to the penalties set forth in this section, if a person, other than a youth as defined in RCW 77.08.010 for hunting purposes, violates a department rule that requires the use of nontoxic shot, upon conviction: (a) The court shall require a payment of one thousand dollars as a criminal wildlife penalty assessment that must be paid to the clerk of the court and distributed to the state treasurer for deposit in the fish and wildlife enforcement reward account created in RCW 77.15.425 . The criminal wildlife penalty assessment must be imposed regardless of and in addition to any sentence, fine, or costs imposed for violating this section. The criminal wildlife penalty assessment must be included by the court in any pronouncement of sentence and may not be suspended, waived, modified, or deferred in any respect; and (b) The department shall revoke the hunting license of the person and order a suspension of small game hunting privileges for two years.
RCW 77.36.120 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 36 / Section 120
RCW 77.36.120: Department's duties.
Status: in_force

The department shall establish: (1) The form of affidavits or proof required to accompany all claims under this chapter; (2) The process, time, and methods used to identify and assess damage, including the anticipated timeline for the initiation and conclusion of department action; (3) How claims will be prioritized when available funds for reimbursement are limited; (4) Timelines after the discovery of damage by which an owner must file a claim or notify the department; (5) Protocols for an owner to follow if the owner wishes to undertake activities that would complicate the determination of damages, such as harvesting damaged crops; (6) The process for determining damage assessments, including the role and selection of professional damage assessors and the responsibility for reimbursing third-party assessors for their services; (7) Timelines for a claimant to accept, reject, or appeal a determination made by the department; (8) The identification of instances when an owner would be ineligible for compensation; (9) An appeals process for an owner eligible for compensation under RCW 77.36.100 who is denied a claim or feels the compensation is insufficient; and (10) Other policies necessary for administering this chapter.
RCW 77.32.410 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 32 / Section 410
RCW 77.32.410: Personal use fishing license—Reciprocity with Oregon in concurrent waters of Columbia river and coastal waters.
Status: in_force

In concurrent waters of the Columbia river and in Washington coastal territorial waters from the Oregon-Washington boundary to a point five nautical miles north, an Oregon angling license comparable to the Washington personal use fishing license is valid if Oregon recognizes as valid the Washington personal use fishing license in comparable Oregon waters. If Oregon recognizes as valid the Washington personal use fishing license southward to Cape Falcon in the coastal territorial waters from the Washington-Oregon boundary and in concurrent waters of the Columbia river then Washington shall recognize a valid Oregon license comparable to the Washington personal use fishing license northward to Leadbetter Point. Oregon licenses are not valid for the taking of food fish or game fish when angling in concurrent waters of the Columbia river from the Washington shore.
RCW 77.12.177 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 177
RCW 77.12.177: Disposition of moneys collected—Proceeds from sale of commercial licenses and fish, shellfish, or wildlife.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in this title, state and county officers receiving the following moneys shall deposit them in the fish, wildlife, and conservation account: (a) The sale of commercial licenses required under this title; and (b) Moneys received for damages to fish, shellfish, or wildlife. (2) Beginning with fiscal year 2018, and each fiscal year thereafter, the director must determine both the total amount of fees deposited in the fish, wildlife, and conservation account for the sale of commercial licenses required under this title, and the portion of those fees that is attributable to the fee increases enacted in chapter 8, Laws of 2017 3rd sp. sess. The director must certify these amounts to the state treasurer, who must transfer the difference between these two amounts to the state general fund within one month of the close of the fiscal year. The portion of those fees that is attributable to the fee increases enacted in chapter 8, Laws of 2017 3rd sp. sess. is retained in the fish, wildlife, and conservation account. (3) All fines and forfeitures collected or assessed by a district court for a violation of this title or rule of the department shall be remitted as provided in chapter 3.62 RCW. (4) Proceeds from the sale of fish or shellfish taken in test fishing conducted by the department, to the extent that these proceeds exceed the estimates in the budget approved by the legislature, may be allocated as unanticipated receipts under RCW 43.79.270 to reimburse the department for unanticipated costs for test fishing operations in excess of the allowance in the budget approved by the legislature. (5) Proceeds from the sale of salmon carcasses and salmon eggs from state general funded hatcheries by the department shall be deposited in the regional fisheries enhancement group account established in RCW 77.95.090 . (6) Proceeds from the sale of herring spawn on kelp fishery licenses by the department, to the extent those proceeds exceed estimates in the budget approved by the legislature, may be allocated as unanticipated receipts under RCW 43.79.270 . Allocations under this subsection shall be made only for herring management, enhancement, and enforcement.
RCW 77.15.340 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 340
RCW 77.15.340: Unlawful operation of a game farm—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful operation of a game farm if the person (a) operates a game farm without the license required by RCW 77.65.480 ; or (b) violates any rule of the commission or the director applicable to game farms under RCW 77.12.570 , 77.12.580 , and 77.12.590 . (2) Unlawful operation of a game farm is a gross misdemeanor.
RCW 77.95.310 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 95 / Section 310
RCW 77.95.310: Report identifying total salmon and steelhead harvest.
Status: in_force

(1) The department shall maintain a report identifying total salmon and steelhead harvest. This report shall include the final commercial harvests and recreational harvests. At a minimum, the report shall clearly identify: (a) The total treaty tribal and nontribal harvests by species and by management unit; (b) Where and why the nontribal harvest does not meet the full allocation allowed under United States v. Washington , 384 F. Supp. 312 (1974) (Boldt I) including a summary of the key policies within the management plan that result in a less than full nontribal allocation; and (c) The location and quantity of salmon and steelhead harvested under the wastage provisions of United States v. Washington , 384 F. Supp. 312 (1974). (2) Upon request, the department shall present the report required to be maintained under this section to the appropriate committees of the legislature.
RCW 77.32.540 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 32 / Section 540
RCW 77.32.540: Hunting and fishing contests—Field trials for dogs—Permit—Rules.
Status: in_force

A person shall not promote, conduct, hold, or sponsor a contest for the hunting or fishing of wildlife or a competitive field trial involving live wildlife for hunting dogs without first obtaining a hunting or fishing contest permit. Contests and field trials shall be held in accordance with established rules.
RCW 77.85.150 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 85 / Section 150
RCW 77.85.150: Statewide salmon recovery strategy—Prospective application.
Status: in_force

(1) The governor shall, with the assistance of the governor's salmon recovery office, maintain and revise, as appropriate, a statewide salmon recovery strategy. (2) The governor and the governor's salmon recovery office shall be guided by the following considerations in maintaining and revising the strategy: (a) The strategy should identify statewide initiatives and responsibilities with regional recovery plans and local watershed initiatives as the principal means for implementing the strategy; (b) The strategy should emphasize collaborative, incentive-based approaches; (c) The strategy should address all factors limiting the recovery of Washington's listed salmon stocks, including habitat and water quality degradation, harvest and hatchery management, inadequate streamflows, and other barriers to fish passage. Where other limiting factors are beyond the state's jurisdictional authorities to respond to, such as some natural predators and high seas fishing, the strategy shall include the state's requests for federal action to effectively address these factors; (d) The strategy should identify immediate actions necessary to prevent extinction of a listed salmon stock, establish performance measures to determine if restoration efforts are working, recommend effective monitoring and data management, and recommend to the legislature clear and certain measures to be implemented if performance goals are not met; (e) The strategy shall rely on the best scientific information available and provide for incorporation of new information as it is obtained; (f) The strategy should seek a fair allocation of the burdens and costs upon economic and social sectors of the state whose activities may contribute to limiting the recovery of salmon; and (g) The strategy should seek clear measures and procedures from the appropriate federal agencies for removing Washington's salmon stocks from listing under the federal act. (3) If the strategy is updated, an active and thorough public involvement process, including early and meaningful opportunity for public comment, must be utilized. In obtaining public comment, the governor's salmon recovery office shall work with regional salmon recovery organizations throughout the state and shall encourage regional and local recovery planning efforts to ensure an active public involvement process. (4) This section shall apply prospectively only and not retroactively. Nothing in this section shall be construed to invalidate actions taken in recovery planning at the local, regional, or state level prior to July 1, 1999.
RCW 77.15.740 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 740
RCW 77.15.740: Protection of southern resident orca—Unlawful activities—Penalty—Signage—Outreach and education—Duties of commercial whale watching vessel.
Status: in_force

(1) Beginning January 1, 2025, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, it is unlawful for a person to: (a) Cause a vessel or other object to approach, in any manner, within 1,000 yards of a southern resident orca; (b) Position a vessel to be in the path of a southern resident orca at any point located within 1,000 yards of the whale. This includes intercepting a southern resident orca by positioning a vessel so that the prevailing wind or water current carries the vessel into the path of the whale at any point located within 1,000 yards of the whale; (c) Position a vessel behind a southern resident orca at any point located within 1,000 yards; (d) Fail to disengage the transmission of a vessel that is within 400 yards of a southern resident orca; (e) Cause a vessel or other object to exceed a speed greater than seven knots over ground at any point located within 1,000 yards of a southern resident orca; or (f) Feed a southern resident orca. (2) A person is exempt from subsection (1) of this section if that person is: (a) Operating a federal government vessel in the course of official duties, or operating a state, tribal, or local government vessel when engaged in official duties involving law enforcement, search and rescue, or public safety; (b) Operating a vessel in conjunction with a vessel traffic service as a vessel traffic service user established under 33 C.F.R. and following a traffic separation scheme, or complying with a vessel traffic service or captain of the port measure or direction, or complying with the rules of the road or taking actions to ensure safety. This also includes vessel transits departing the lanes for safety reasons or to approach or depart a dock or anchorage area, including support vessels escorting or assisting vessels, such as tug boats; (c) Engaging in an activity, including scientific research or oil spill response, pursuant to the conditions of a permit or other authorization from the national marine fisheries service or the department; (d) Lawfully engaging in a treaty Indian or commercial fishery that is actively setting, retrieving, or closely tending fishing gear. Commercial fishing vessels in transit are not exempt from subsection (1) of this section; (e) Conducting vessel operations necessary to avoid an imminent and serious threat to a person, vessel, or the environment, including when necessary for overall safety of navigation and to comply with state and federal navigation requirements; or (f) Engaging in rescue or clean-up efforts of a beached southern resident orca overseen, coordinated, or authorized by a volunteer stranding network. (3) For the purpose of this section, "vessel" includes aircraft while on the surface of the water, and every description of watercraft on the water that is used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on the water. However, "vessel" does not include inner tubes, air mattresses, sailboards, and small rafts, or flotation devices or toys customarily used by swimmers. (4)(a) A violation of this section is a natural resource infraction punishable under chapter 7.84 RCW and carries a fine of five hundred dollars, not including statutory assessments added pursuant to RCW 3.62.090 . (b) A person who qualifies for an exemption under subsection (2) of this section may offer that exemption as an affirmative defense, which that person must prove by a preponderance of the evidence. (c) The department may choose to offer educational materials in lieu of issuing an infraction, at the officer's discretion. (d) An officer may not issue an infraction to the operator of a vessel that is within 400 yards of a southern resident orca who has immediately disengaged the transmission of the vessel pursuant to subsection (1)(d) of this section and waits for the whale to leave the vicinity. (5) The department must post signs at public boat launches and marinas that provide information regarding the vessel setbacks and speed limits required by this section. However, the requirements of this section apply whether or not a sign is present and the absence of a sign is not a defense to any violation of this section. (6) The department shall conduct outreach and education regarding regulations and best practices for recreational boating in waters inhabited by southern resident orcas, including best practices for avoiding or minimizing encounters closer than 1,000 yards from a southern resident orca consistent with the recommendations of the work group established in section 6, chapter 452, Laws of 2023. This may include the advancement and proliferation of tools for notifying boaters of southern resident orca presence, identifying orca ecotypes, and estimating distance on the water. (7) If the operator of a motorized commercial whale watching vessel enters within 1,000 yards of a group of southern resident orcas, after taking reasonable measures to determine whether the whales are southern resident orcas, and then identifies the whales as southern resident orcas, the operator must: (a) Immediately safely reposition the vessel to be 1,000 yards or farther from the southern resident orcas; and (b) Immediately after repositioning the vessel, report the location of the southern resident orca or orcas to the WhaleReport application for the whale report alert system, or to a successor transboundary notification system designated by the department that is adopted by the international shipping community in the Salish Sea. (8) The operator of a motorized commercial whale watching vessel may voluntarily log the incident, including measures taken to determine whether the whales were southern resident orcas, and submit the log to the department within 24 hours of the incident.
RCW 77.12.045 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 045
RCW 77.12.045: Territorial authority of commission—Adoption of federal regulations and rules of fisheries commissions and compacts.
Status: in_force

Consistent with federal law, the commission's authority extends to all areas and waters within the territorial boundaries of the state, to the offshore waters, and to the concurrent waters of the Columbia river. Consistent with federal law, the commission's authority extends to fishing in offshore waters by residents of this state. The commission may adopt rules consistent with the regulations adopted by the United States department of commerce for the offshore waters. The commission may adopt rules consistent with the recommendations or regulations of the Pacific marine fisheries commission, Columbia river compact, the Pacific salmon commission as provided in chapter 77.75 RCW, or the international Pacific halibut commission.
RCW 77.12.395 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 395
RCW 77.12.395: Wolves—Conflict mitigation guidelines.
Status: in_force

The department shall implement conflict mitigation guidelines that distinguish between wolf recovery regions, identified in the 2011 wolf conservation and management plan, that are at or above the regional recovery objective and wolf recovery regions that are below the regional recovery objective. In developing conflict management [mitigation] guidelines, the department shall consider the provisions of its 2011 wolf recovery and management plan, and all regional plans must include proactive nonlethal deterrents regardless of listing status.
RCW 77.04.080 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 04 / Section 080
RCW 77.04.080: Director—Qualifications—Duties—Salary.
Status: in_force

Persons eligible for appointment as director shall have practical knowledge of the habits and distribution of fish and wildlife. The director shall supervise the administration and operation of the department and perform the duties prescribed by law and delegated by the commission. The director shall carry out the basic goals and objectives prescribed under RCW 77.04.055 . The director may appoint and employ necessary personnel. The director may delegate, in writing, to department personnel the duties and powers necessary for efficient operation and administration of the department. Only persons having general knowledge of the fisheries and wildlife resources and of the commercial and recreational fishing industry in this state are eligible for appointment as director. The director shall not have a financial interest in the fishing industry or a directly related industry. The director shall receive the salary fixed by the governor under RCW 43.03.040 . The director is the ex officio secretary of the commission and shall attend its meetings and keep a record of its business.
RCW 77.15.080 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 080
RCW 77.15.080: Fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers—Inspection authority.
Status: in_force

Based upon articulable facts that a person is engaged in fishing, harvesting, or hunting activities, fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers have the authority to temporarily stop the person and check for valid licenses, tags, permits, stamps, or catch record cards, and to inspect all fish, shellfish, seaweed, and wildlife in possession as well as the equipment being used to ensure compliance with the requirements of this title. Fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers also may request that the person write his or her signature for comparison with the signature on his or her fishing, harvesting, or hunting license. Failure to comply with the request is prima facie evidence that the person is not the person named on the license. Fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers may require the person, if age sixteen or older, to exhibit a driver's license or other photo identification.
RCW 77.85.180 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 85 / Section 180
RCW 77.85.180: Findings.
Status: in_force

(1) The legislature finds that the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020 was developed through extensive negotiations with the federal agencies responsible for administering the endangered species act and the clean water act. The legislature further finds that the forestry industry, small landowners, tribal governments, state and federal agencies, and counties have worked diligently for nearly two years to reach agreement on scientifically based changes to the forest practices rules, set forth in the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020 . The legislature further finds that if existing forest practices rules are amended as proposed in the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020 , the resulting changes in forest practices (a) will lead to: (i) Salmon habitat that meets riparian functions vital to the long-term recovery of salmon on more than sixty thousand miles of streams in this state; (ii) identification of forest roads contributing to habitat degradation and corrective action to remedy those problems to protect salmon habitat; (iii) increased protection of steep and unstable slopes; and (iv) the implementation of scientifically based adaptive management and monitoring processes for evaluating the impacts of forest practices on aquatic resources, as defined in RCW 76.09.020 , and a process for amending the forest practices rules to incorporate new information as it becomes available; (b) will lead to the protection of aquatic resources to the maximum extent practicable consistent with maintaining commercial forest management as an economically viable use of lands suitable for that purpose; and (c) will provide a regulatory climate and structure more likely to keep landowners from converting forestlands to other uses that would be less desirable for salmon recovery. (2) The legislature further finds that the changes in laws and rules contemplated by chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess., taken as a whole, constitute a comprehensive and coordinated program to provide substantial and sufficient contributions to salmon recovery and water quality enhancement in areas impacted by forest practices and are intended to fully satisfy the requirements of the endangered species act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.) with respect to incidental take of salmon and other aquatic resources and the clean water act (33 U.S.C. Sec. 1251 et seq.) with respect to nonpoint source pollution attributable to forest practices. (3) The legislature finds that coordination is needed between the laws relating to forestry in chapter 76.09 RCW and the state salmon recovery strategy being developed under this chapter. The coordination should ensure that nonfederal forestlands are managed in ways that make appropriate contributions to the recovery of salmonid fish, water quality, and related environmental amenities while encouraging continued investments in those lands for commercial forestry purposes. Specifically, the legislature finds that forest practices rules relating to water quality, salmon, certain other species of fish, certain species of stream-associated amphibians, and their respective habitats should be coordinated with the rules and policies relating to other land uses through the statewide salmon recovery planning process. The legislature further finds that this subchapter is but one part of a comprehensive salmon strategy as required in this chapter, and this investment in salmon habitat will be of little value if a comprehensive state plan is not completed and fully implemented. (4) The legislature recognizes that the adoption of forest practices rules consistent with the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020 will impose substantial financial burdens on forestland owners which, if not partially offset through other changes in the laws and rules governing forestry, could lead to significantly reduced silvicultural investments on nonfederal lands, deterioration in the quality, condition, and amounts of forests on those lands, and long-term adverse effects on fish and wildlife habitat and other environmental amenities associated with well managed forests. Moreover, as the benefits of the proposed revisions to the forest practices rules will benefit the general public, chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess. suggests that some of these costs be shared with the general public. (5) As an integral part of implementing the salmon recovery strategy, chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess. (a) provides direction to the forest practices board, the department of natural resources, and the department of ecology with respect to the adoption, implementation, and enforcement of rules relating to forest practices and the protection of aquatic resources; (b) provides additional enforcement tools to the department of natural resources to enforce the forest practices rules; (c) anticipates the need for adequate and consistent funding for the various programmatic elements necessary to fully implement the strategy over time and derive the long-term benefits; (d) provides for the acquisition by the state of forestlands within certain stream channel migration zones where timber harvest will not be allowed; (e) provides for small landowners to have costs shared for a portion of any extraordinary economic losses attributable to the revisions to the forest practices rules required by chapter 4, Laws of 1999 sp. sess.; and (f) amends other existing laws to aid in the implementation of the recommendations set forth in the forests and fish report as defined in RCW 76.09.020 .
RCW 77.70.210 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 70 / Section 210
RCW 77.70.210: Herring spawn on kelp fishery license—Auction.
Status: in_force

(1) A herring spawn on kelp fishery license is required to commercially take herring eggs which have been deposited on vegetation of any type. (2) A herring spawn on kelp fishery license may be issued only to a person who: (a) Holds a herring fishery license issued under RCW 77.65.200 and 77.70.120 ; and (b) Is the highest bidder in an auction conducted under subsection (3) of this section. (3) The department shall sell herring spawn on kelp commercial fishery licenses at auction to the highest bidder. Bidders shall identify their sources of kelp. Kelp harvested from state-owned aquatic lands as defined in *RCW 79.90.465 requires the written consent of the department of natural resources. The department shall give all holders of herring fishery licenses thirty days' notice of the auction.
RCW 77.15.395 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 395
RCW 77.15.395: Hunter safety—Visible clothing requirement—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) For the purpose of hunter safety, the commission must adopt rules determining the times and manner when a person hunting must wear either fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing or both. The rules must allow a person hunting to wear either fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing, or both, in order to meet a visible clothing requirement when hunting. (2) A violation of this section is an infraction punishable under RCW 77.15.160 .
RCW 77.15.480 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 480
RCW 77.15.480: Certain devices declared public nuisances.
Status: in_force

Articles or devices unlawfully used, possessed, or maintained for taking, harassing, attracting, or decoying wildlife, fish, and shellfish are public nuisances. If necessary, fish and wildlife officers and ex officio fish and wildlife officers may seize, abate, or destroy these public nuisances without warrant or process.
RCW 77.12.810 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 810
RCW 77.12.810: Small game hunting license—Disposition of fee.
Status: in_force

Five percent of the revenue received from the sale of each small game hunting license fee shall be deposited in the eastern Washington pheasant enhancement account created in RCW 77.12.820 .
RCW 77.95.200 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 95 / Section 200
RCW 77.95.200: Remote site incubator program—Reports to the fish and wildlife commission.
Status: in_force

(1) The department shall develop and implement a program utilizing remote site incubators in Washington state. The program shall identify sites in tributaries that are suitable for reestablishing self-sustaining, locally adapted populations of coho, chum, or chinook salmon. The initial selection of sites shall be updated annually. (2) The department may only approve a remote site incubator project if the department deems it is consistent with the conservation of wild salmon and trout. The department shall only utilize appropriate salmonid eggs in remote site incubators, and may acquire eggs by gift or purchase. (3) The department shall depend chiefly upon volunteer efforts to implement the remote site incubator program through volunteer cooperative projects and the regional fisheries enhancement groups. The department may prioritize remote site incubator projects within regional enhancement areas. (4) The department may purchase remote site incubators and may use agency employees to construct remote site incubators. (5) The department shall investigate the use of the remote site incubator technology for the production of warm water fish. (6) Annual reports on the progress of the program shall be provided to the fish and wildlife commission.
RCW 77.15.435 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 435
RCW 77.15.435: Unlawful hunting on, retrieving hunted wildlife from, or collecting wildlife parts from the property of another—Defense—Penalty—Forfeiture and disposition of wildlife.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawfully hunting on, retrieving hunted wildlife from, or collecting wildlife parts from the property of another if the person knowingly enters or remains unlawfully in or on the premises of another for the purpose of: (a) Hunting for wildlife; (b) Retrieving hunted wildlife; or (c) Collecting wildlife parts. (2) In any prosecution under this section, it is a defense that: (a) The premises were at the time open to members of the public for the purpose of hunting, and the actor complied with all lawful conditions imposed on access to or remaining on the premises; (b) The actor reasonably believed that the owner of the premises, or other person empowered to license access to the premises, would have licensed him or her to enter or remain on the premises for the purpose of hunting, retrieving hunted wildlife, or collecting wildlife parts; (c) The actor reasonably believed that the premises were not privately owned; or (d) The actor, after making all reasonable attempts to contact the owner of the premises, entered the premises to retrieve the hunted wildlife for the sole purpose of avoiding a violation of the prohibition on the waste of fish and wildlife as provided in RCW 77.15.170 . The defense in this subsection only applies to the retrieval of hunted wildlife and not to the actual act of hunting itself or the collecting of wildlife parts. (3) Unlawfully hunting on, retrieving hunted wildlife from, or collecting wildlife parts from the property of another is a misdemeanor. (4) If a person unlawfully hunts and kills wildlife, or retrieves hunted wildlife that he or she has killed, on the property of another, then, upon conviction under this section, the department shall revoke all hunting licenses and tags and order a suspension of the person's hunting privileges for two years. This subsection does not apply to a person convicted under this section for unlawfully collecting wildlife parts from the property of another. (5) Any wildlife or wildlife parts that are unlawfully hunted on, retrieved, or collected from the property of another must be seized by fish and wildlife officers. Forfeiture and disposition of the wildlife or wildlife parts is pursuant to RCW 77.15.100 .
RCW 77.65.580 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 580
RCW 77.65.580: Vessel registration number decal and identifying decal for food fish guides, game fish guides, and charter boat operators.
Status: in_force

(1) The department must issue a department vessel registration number decal and an identifying decal to all food fish guides, game fish guides, and charter boat operators licensed under RCW 77.65.010 . (2) Any person who acts or offers to act as a food fish guide, game fish guide, or charter boat operator must display both decals on vessels in a location easily visible to customers and adjacent vessels.
RCW 77.85.160 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 85 / Section 160
RCW 77.85.160: Salmon monitoring data, information.
Status: in_force

State salmon monitoring data provided by lead entities, regional fisheries enhancement groups, and others shall be included in the database of SASSI [salmon and steelhead stock inventory] and SSHIAP [salmon and steelhead habitat inventory assessment project]. Information pertaining to habitat preservation projects funded through the Washington wildlife and recreation program, the conservation reserve enhancement program, and other conservancy programs related to salmon habitat shall be included in the SSHIAP database.
RCW 77.55.410 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 55 / Section 410
RCW 77.55.410: Violation of chapter.
Status: in_force

(1) When the department determines that a violation of this chapter, or of any of the rules that implement this chapter, has occurred or is about to occur, it shall first attempt to achieve voluntary compliance. The department shall offer information and technical assistance to the project proponent, identifying one or more means to accomplish the project proponent's purposes within the framework of the law. The department shall provide a reasonable timeline to achieve voluntary compliance that takes into consideration factors specific to the violation, such as the complexity of the hydraulic project, the actual or potential harm to fish life or fish habitat, and the environmental conditions at the time. (2) If a person violates this chapter, or any of the rules that implement this chapter, or deviates from a permit, the department may issue a notice of correction in accordance with chapter 43.05 RCW, a notice of violation in accordance with chapter 43.05 RCW, a stop work order, a notice to comply, or a notice of civil penalty as authorized by law and subject to chapter 43.05 RCW and RCW 34.05.110 . (3) For purposes of this section, the term "project proponent" means a person who has applied for a hydraulic project approval, a person identified as an authorized agent on an application for a hydraulic project approval, a person who has obtained a hydraulic project approval, or a person who undertakes a hydraulic project without a hydraulic project approval. (4) This section does not apply to a project, or to that portion of a project, that has received a forest practices hydraulic project permit from the department of natural resources pursuant to chapter 76.09 RCW.
RCW 77.65.200 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 65 / Section 200
RCW 77.65.200: Commercial fishery licenses for food fish fisheries—Fees—Rules for species, gear, and areas.
Status: in_force

(1) This section establishes commercial fishery licenses required for food fish fisheries and the annual fees for those licenses. As used in this section, "food fish" does not include salmon. The director may issue a limited-entry commercial fishery license only to a person who meets the qualifications established in applicable governing sections of this title. Fishery (Governing section(s)) Annual Fee Application Fee Vessel Required? Limited Entry? Resident Nonresident (a) Baitfish Lampara $335 $720 $ 70 Yes No (b) Baitfish purse seine $380 $765 $ 70 Yes No (c) Bottom fish jig $180 $565 $ 70 Yes No (d) Bottom fish pot $180 $565 $ 70 Yes No (e) Bottom fish troll $180 $565 $ 70 Yes No (f) Carp $180 $565 $ 70 No No (g) Columbia river smelt $430 $815 $ 70 No No (h) Emerging commercial fishery (RCW 77.70.160 and 77.65.400 ) $335 $720 $105 Determined by rule Determined by rule (i) Food fish drag seine $180 $565 $ 70 Yes No (j) Food fish set line $180 $565 $ 70 Yes No (k) Herring dip bag net $325 $710 $ 70 Yes Yes (RCW 77.70.120 ) (l) Herring drag seine $325 $710 $ 70 Yes Yes (RCW 77.70.120 ) (m) Herring gill net $325 $710 $105 Yes Yes (RCW 77.70.120 ) (n) Herring Lampara $325 $710 $ 70 Yes Yes (RCW 77.70.120 ) (o) Herring purse seine $325 $710 $105 Yes Yes (RCW 77.70.120 ) (p) Herring spawn-on-kelp (RCW 77.70.210 ) N/A N/A N/A Yes Yes (q) Sardine purse seine (RCW 77.70.480 ) $335 $720 $105 Yes Yes (r) Sardine purse seine temporary (RCW 77.70.480 ) $335 $720 $105 Yes No (s) Smelt dip bag net $180 $565 $ 70 No No (t) Smelt gill net $430 $815 $ 70 Yes No (u) Whiting-Puget Sound (RCW 77.70.130 ) $345 $730 $105 Yes Yes (2) The director may by rule determine the species of food fish that may be taken with the commercial fishery licenses established in this section, the gear that may be used with the licenses, and the areas or waters in which the licenses may be used. Where a fishery license has been established for a particular species, gear, geographical area, or combination thereof, a more general fishery license may not be used to take food fish in that fishery.
RCW 77.135.150 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 135 / Section 150
RCW 77.135.150: Aquatic conveyance inspection and decontamination stations—Adoption of rules.
Status: in_force

(1) The department may operate aquatic conveyance inspection and decontamination stations statewide for voluntary use by the public or for mandatory use where directed by the department to meet inspection and decontamination requirements of this chapter. Decontamination stations can be part of or separate from inspection stations. Inspection and decontamination stations are separate from commercial vehicle weigh stations operated by the Washington state patrol. (2) Inspection station staff must inspect aquatic conveyances to determine whether the conveyances carry or contain aquatic invasive species. If an aquatic conveyance is free of aquatic invasive species, then inspection station staff must issue a certificate of inspection. A certificate of inspection is valid until the conveyance's next use in a water body. (3) If a conveyance carries or contains aquatic invasive species, then inspection station staff must require the conveyance's decontamination before issuing a certificate of inspection. The certificate of inspection is valid until the conveyance's next use in a water body. (4) The department must identify, in a way that is readily available to the public, the location and contact information for inspection and decontamination stations. (5) The department must adopt by rule standards for inspection and decontamination that, where practical and appropriate, align with regional, national, and international standards.
RCW 77.135.200 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 135 / Section 200
RCW 77.135.200: Aquatic invasive species management account.
Status: in_force

The aquatic invasive species management account is created in the state treasury. All receipts directed to the account from RCW 88.02.640 and 77.135.230 , as well as legislative appropriations, gifts, donations, fees, and penalties received by the department for aquatic invasive species management, must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be used only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may only be used to implement aquatic invasive species-related provisions under this title.
RCW 77.95.140 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 95 / Section 140
RCW 77.95.140: Skagit river salmon recovery plan.
Status: in_force

The commission shall prepare a salmon recovery plan for the Skagit river. The plan shall include strategies for employing displaced timber workers to conduct salmon restoration and other tasks identified in the plan. The plan shall incorporate the best available technology in order to achieve maximum restoration of depressed salmon stocks. The plan must encourage the restoration of natural spawning areas and natural rearing of salmon but must not preclude the development of an active hatchery program.
RCW 77.55.231 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 55 / Section 231
RCW 77.55.231: Conditions imposed upon a permit—Reasonably related to project—Least impactful modifications—Minor modifications to plans/work timing.
Status: in_force

(1)(a) Conditions imposed upon a permit must be reasonably related to the project. The permit conditions must ensure that the project provides proper protection for fish life, but the department may not impose conditions that attempt to optimize conditions for fish life that are out of proportion to the impact of the proposed project. (b) In the event that any person desires to replace residential marine shoreline stabilization or armoring, a person must use the least impacting technically feasible bank protection alternative for the protection of fish life. Unless the department provides an exemption depending on the scale and nature of the project, a person that desires to replace residential marine shoreline stabilization or armoring must conduct a site assessment to consider the least impactful alternatives. A person should propose a hard armor technique only after considering site characteristics such as the threat to major improvements, wave energy, and other factors in an analysis of alternatives. The common alternatives identified in (b)(i) through (vii) of this subsection are in order from most preferred to least preferred: (i) Remove the structure and restore the beach; (ii) Remove the structure and install native vegetation; (iii) Remove the structure and control upland drainage; (iv) Remove the structure and replace it with a soft structure constructed of natural materials, including bioengineering; (v) Remove the hard structure and construct upland retaining walls; (vi) Remove the hard structure and replace it with a hard structure located landward of the existing structure, preferably at or above the ordinary high water line; or (vii) Remove the hard structure and replace it with hard shoreline structure in the same footprint as the existing structure. (c) For the purposes of this subsection, "feasible" means available and capable of being done after taking into consideration cost, existing technology, and logistics in light of overall project purposes. (2) The permit must contain provisions allowing for minor modifications to the plans and specifications without requiring reissuance of the permit. (3) The permit must contain provisions that allow for minor modifications to the required work timing without requiring the reissuance of the permit. "Minor modifications to the required work timing" means a minor deviation from the timing window set forth in the permit when there are no spawning or incubating fish present within the vicinity of the project.
RCW 77.12.885 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 12 / Section 885
RCW 77.12.885: Reported predatory wildlife interactions—Website posting.
Status: in_force

Except for the personal information on reported depredations by wolves that is exempted from disclosure as provided in RCW 42.56.430 , the department shall post on its internet website all reported predatory wildlife interactions, including reported human safety confrontations or sightings as well as the known details of reported depredations by predatory wildlife on humans, pets, or livestock, within ten days of receiving the report. The posted material must include, but is not limited to, the location and time, the known details, and a running summary of such reported interactions by identified specie [species] and interaction type within each affected county. For the purposes of this section and RCW 42.56.430 , "predatory wildlife" means grizzly bears, wolves, and cougars.
RCW 77.55.331 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 55 / Section 331
RCW 77.55.331: Hydraulic project approval account.
Status: in_force

(1) The hydraulic project approval account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from application fees for hydraulic project approval applications collected under *RCW 77.55.321 must be deposited into the account. (2) Except for unanticipated receipts under RCW 43.79.260 through 43.79.282 , moneys in the hydraulic project approval account may be spent only after appropriation. (3) Expenditures from the hydraulic project approval account may be used only to fund department activities relating to implementing and operating the hydraulic project approval program.
RCW 77.08.020 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 08 / Section 020
RCW 77.08.020: "Game fish" defined.
Status: in_force

(1) As used in this title or rules of the commission, "game fish" means those species of the class Osteichthyes that shall not be fished for except as authorized by rule of the commission and includes: Scientific Name Common Name Ambloplites rupestris rock bass Coregonus clupeaformis lake white fish Ictalurus furcatus blue catfish Ictalurus melas black bullhead Ictalurus natalis yellow bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus brown bullhead Ictalurus punctatus channel catfish Lepomis cyanellus green sunfish Lepomis gibbosus pumpkinseed Lepomis gulosus warmouth Lepomis macrochirus bluegill Lota lota burbot or freshwater ling Micropterus dolomieui smallmouth bass Micropterus salmoides largemouth bass Oncorhynchus nerka (in its landlocked form) kokanee or silver trout Perca flavescens yellow perch Pomixis annularis white crappie Pomixis nigromaculatus black crappie Prosopium williamsoni mountain white fish Oncorhynchus aquabonita golden trout Oncorhynchus clarkii cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus mykiss rainbow or steelhead trout Salmo salar (in its landlocked form) Atlantic salmon Salmo trutta brown trout Salvelinus fontinalis eastern brook trout Salvelinus malma Dolly Varden trout Salvelinus namaycush lake trout Stizostedion vitreum Walleye Thymallus articus arctic grayling (2) Private sector cultured aquatic products as defined in RCW 15.85.020 are not game fish.
RCW 77.15.900 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 900
RCW 77.15.900: Short title.
Status: in_force

This chapter may be known and cited as the fish and wildlife enforcement code.
RCW 77.85.120 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 85 / Section 120
RCW 77.85.120: Board responsibilities—Grants and loans administration assistance.
Status: in_force

(1) The salmon recovery funding board is responsible for making grants and loans for salmon habitat projects and salmon recovery activities from the amounts appropriated to the board for this purpose. To accomplish this purpose the board may: (a) Provide assistance to grant applicants regarding the procedures and criteria for grant and loan awards; (b) Make and execute all manner of contracts and agreements with public and private parties as the board deems necessary, consistent with the purposes of this chapter; (c) Accept any gifts, grants, or loans of funds, property, or financial or other aid in any form from any other source on any terms that are not in conflict with this chapter; (d) Adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW as necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter; and (e) Do all acts and things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers expressly granted or implied under this chapter. (2) The recreation and conservation office shall provide all necessary grants and loans administration assistance to the board, and shall distribute funds as provided by the board in RCW 77.85.130 .
RCW 77.15.809 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 809
RCW 77.15.809: Unlawful use of invasive species in the second degree—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful use of invasive species in the second degree if the person: (a) Fails to stop at a mandatory check station or to return to the mandatory check station for inspection if directed to do so by a fish and wildlife officer or ex officio fish and wildlife officer; (b) Fails to allow an aquatic conveyance stopped at a mandatory check station to be inspected for clean and drain requirements or aquatic invasive species; (c) Fails to comply with a decontamination order; (d) Possesses, except in the case of trafficking, a prohibited level 1 or level 2 species without department authorization, a permit, or as otherwise provided by rule; (e) Possesses, introduces on or into a water body or property, or traffics in a prohibited level 3 species without department authorization, a permit, or as otherwise provided by rule; (f) Introduces on or into a water body or property a regulated type A, type B, or type C species without department authorization, a permit, or as otherwise provided by rule; (g) Fails to readily and clearly identify in writing by taxonomic species name or subspecies name a regulated type B species used for commercial purposes; or (h) Knowingly violates a quarantine declaration under RCW 77.135.050 . (2) A violation of subsection (1) of this section is a gross misdemeanor. In addition to criminal penalties, a court may order the person to pay all costs in capturing, killing, or controlling the invasive species, including its progeny. This subsection does not affect the authority of the department to bring a separate civil action to recover habitat restoration costs necessitated by the person's unlawful use of invasive species. (3) This section does not apply to: (a) A person who complies with the department directives pursuant to RCW 77.135.120 for mandatory check stations. Such a person is exempt from criminal penalties under this section or RCW 77.15.811 , and forfeiture under this chapter, unless the person has a prior conviction under those sections within the past five years; (b) A person who possesses an aquatic invasive species, if the person is in the process of: (i) Removing it from the aquatic conveyance in a manner specified by the department; or (ii) Releasing it if caught while fishing and immediately returning it to the water body from which it came; (c) Possessing or introducing nonnative aquatic animal species by ballast water held or discharged by vessels regulated under chapter 77.120 RCW; or (d) Possessing or introducing nonnative aquatic animal species through private sector shellfish aquaculture operations, transfers, or conveyances regulated under chapter 77.115 RCW. (4) Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the definitions in both RCW 77.08.010 and 77.135.010 apply throughout this section.
RCW 77.15.590 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 15 / Section 590
RCW 77.15.590: Commercial fishing vessel—Unlawful use for recreational or charter fishing—Penalty.
Status: in_force

(1) A person is guilty of unlawful use of a commercial fishing vessel, except as may be authorized by rule of the commission, for recreational or charter fishing if the person uses, operates, or controls a vessel on the same day for both: (a) Charter or recreational fishing; and (b) Commercial fishing or shellfish harvesting. (2) Unlawful use of a commercial fishing vessel for recreational or charter fishing is a gross misdemeanor.
RCW 77.95.130 — Washington Code / Title 77 / Chapter 95 / Section 130
RCW 77.95.130: Regional fisheries enhancement salmonid recovery account—Created.
Status: in_force

The regional fisheries enhancement salmonid recovery account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from federal sources and moneys from state sources specified by law must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account may be spent only after appropriation. Expenditures from the account may be used for the sole purpose of fisheries enhancement and habitat restoration by regional fisheries enhancement groups.