[Order 19-186—Filed August 8, 2019, 3:38 p.m., effective August 12, 2019]

Effective Date of Rule: August 12, 2019.

Purpose: Amend recreational shrimp rules for Puget Sound.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-330-07000T; and amending WAC 220-330-070.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 77.04.012, 77.04.020, 77.12.045, 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: This regulation is needed to ensure an orderly fishery, manage the fishery within court-ordered sharing requirements, and ensure conservation. Harvestable amounts of spot shrimp are available in Marine Areas 4 (east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5, and 6. This regulation closes the recreational shrimp fishery in Marine Area 7 West to achieve the harvest target. In addition, harvestable amounts of nonspot shrimp are available in several marine areas, and the depth restrictions and area closures are in effect to protect spot shrimp consistent with signed management plans. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 8, 2019.

WAC 220-330-07000UShrimp—Areas and seasons.

Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-330-070, effective August 12, 2019 until further notice, it is unlawful to fish for or possess shrimp taken for personal use in all waters of Marine Areas 4 (east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and the Discovery Bay Shrimp District, except as provided for in this section:

(1) Marine Areas 4 (east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5, and 6 (excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open daily to the harvest of all shrimp species until further notice.

(2) Marine Area 7 East:

Open until further notice to the harvest of all species except spot shrimp in waters equal to or less than 200 feet. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 200 feet deep.

(3) Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9, and 11: Open until further notice to the harvest of all species except spot shrimp in waters equal to or less than 150 feet. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 150 feet deep.

(4) Marine Area 13: Open until further notice to the harvest of all species except spot shrimp in waters equal to or less than 250 feet. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 250 feet deep.

The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective August 12, 2019:

Shrimp—Areas and seasons. (19-156)