WSR 97-11-061

EMERGENCY RULES

DEPARTMENT OF

FISH AND WILDLIFE

(Fisheries)

[Order 97-82--Filed May 20, 1997, 3:58 p.m., effective May 21, 1997, 12:01 a.m.]

Date of Adoption: May 20, 1997.

Purpose: Personal use rules.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-56-25500E; and 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 1997 Catch Record Card Area 2 quota, as established by the International Pacific Halibut Commission and the Pacific Fisheries Management Council, has been taken. Landings in coastal ports are under an interport equity to spread recreational opportunity and provide for the economic well-being of the charter industry. Landing limitations will reduce interport conflicts and promote an orderly fishery. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, amended 0, repealed 1.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Effective Date of Rule: May 21, 1997, 12:01 a.m.

May 20, 1997

Bern Shanks

Director

NEW SECTION

WAC 220-56-25500F Halibut--Season. Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-56-255, effective 12:01 a.m. May 21, 1997, until further notice it is unlawful to fish for or possess halibut taken for personal use from Catch Record Card Area 2, and it is unlawful to land halibut taken for personal use from any open area into Catch Record Card Area 2.