The judge ruled that Fish Northwest has standing to challenge the 2023 and 2024 fishing regulations. The court then ruled that WDFW is required to complete a small business economic impact statement when enacting regulations. This is something that has long been required, and the WDFW has ignored.

The court ruled that WDFW had the duty to avoid reducing the revenue of charters and fishing-related businesses by closing seasons and, if it could not enact rules that avoided reducing revenue, WDFW must provide an explanation as required by RCW 19.85.030. The court ruled that the 2023 and 2024 fishing regulations were therefore invalid.

The Fish Northwest board and its Lawyer are considering next steps.

Brett Rosson

President, Fish Northwest