WSR 15-23-019 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 15-417—Filed November 6, 2015, 3:59 p.m., effective November 6, 2015, 3:59 p.m.] Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: Amend coastal recreational crab fishing rules.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-56-330.
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: A closure is needed after routine testing showed domoic acid levels in crab exceeded standards established by the Washington department of health. Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or even fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: November 6, 2015.
Joe Stohr
for J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-56-33000V Crab—Areas and seasons.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-56-330:
(1) Effective immediately until further notice, it is unlawful to fish for crab in Marine Area 2-1 (Willapa Bay).
(2) Effective immediately until further notice, it is unlawful to set, maintain, operate, or possess in those waters, any baited or unbaited shellfish pots or ring nets for any reason.
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