WSR 21-08-054
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 21-45—Filed April 2, 2021, 4:43 p.m., effective April 2, 2021, 4:43 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: The purpose of this emergency rule is to open recreational crabbing seasons in Marine Area 2-2 (Grays Harbor).
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-330-04000Y; and amending WAC 220-330-040.
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: Based on recent marine toxin test results the Washington department of health has determined that Dungeness crab are safe for human consumption in that portion of Marine Area 2 north of Point Chehalis and Marine Area 2-2 (Grays Harbor) and recommends that sport crab fishing can remain open or reopen. In addition, the Washington department of health recommends that sport crab fishing remain closed in Marine Area 1 and the portion of Marine Area 2 between Point Chehalis and Leadbetter Point and Marine Area 2-1 (Willapa Bay). 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: April 2, 2021.
Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-330-04000ZCrab—Areas and seasons
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-330-040 effective Immediately, until further notice, recreational crab seasons in waters of Marine Area 1, 2, 2-1 and 2-2 shall be modified as follows. All other provisions of WAC 220-330-040 not addressed herein remain in effect unless otherwise amended by emergency rule:
(1) Effective immediately until further notice, it is unlawful to fish for Dungeness crab in Marine Area 1, that portion of Marine 2 from Point Chehalis to Leadbetter Point and Marine Area 2-1 (Willapa Bay).
(2) Effective immediately it is unlawful to set, maintain, operate, or possess in those waters listed in subsections (1) of this section, any baited or unbaited shellfish pots or ring nets for any reason.
Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040. REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative code is repealed:
WAC 220-330-04000Y | Crab—Areas and seasons. (20-25) |