Purpose: Personal use rules.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 220-56-330.

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: There is a harvestable surplus of Dungeness crab in Catch Record Card Areas 7 and 8. Test fishing data indicates the majority of crab in these areas are in a hardshell condition and crab pot fishing at this time will not result in wastage or resource damage. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.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

June 1, 1998

Larry Peck

for Bern Shanks

Director

WAC 220-56-33000F  Crab--Areas and seasons. Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-56-330, effective 12:01 a.m. June 2, 1998 until further notice, it is lawful to fish for and possess crab taken for personal use with shellfish pot gear in all waters of Catch Record Card Area 7 within San Juan County and all waters of Catch Record Card Area 8.

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