Purpose: Personal use rules.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-56-255.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 75.08.080.

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: The off-shore halibut quota for Catch Record Card Area 2 has been taken. There is still a harvestable quota available for the inshore area as a by-catch amount for recreational bottomfish anglers. There is insufficient time to promulgate 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Effective Date of Rule: July 3, 1998, 12:01 a.m.

July 2, 1998

J. D. Brittell

for Bern Shanks

Director

WAC 220-56-25500H  Halibut--Areas and seasons. Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-56-255, effective 12:01 a.m. July 3, 1998, until further notice it is lawful to fish for halibut seven days a week in those waters of Catch Record Card Area 2 south of the Queets River, North of 4700'00" North latitude and east of 12440'00" West longitude. All other waters of Catch Record Card Area 2 are closed to halibut fishing.

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