WSR 15-18-046

EMERGENCY RULES

[Order 15-280—Filed August 27, 2015, 9:16 a.m., effective September 1, 2015]

Effective Date of Rule: September 1, 2015.

Purpose: Amend commercial fishing rules.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-40-040 [220-44-040].

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, and 77.12.047.

Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.

Reasons for this Finding: Prohibiting the retention of halibut is needed for this fishery as the quota is projected to be reached by September 1, 2015. This rule conforms to federal action taken by the National Marine Fisheries Service and the International Pacific Halibut Commission. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Date Adopted: August 27, 2015.

J. W. Unsworth

Director