Purpose: Commercial fishing regulations.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-72-07600A; and amending WAC 220-72-076.

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: Green crab have been documented in Willapa Bay, a closely adjacent area, which serves as a ready source of larval drift invasion to Grays Harbor. This will provide protection to Puget Sound from introducing this species. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, amended 0, repealed 1.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, amended 0, repealed 0.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

July 8, 1998

Larry W. Peck

for Bern Shanks

Director

WAC 220-72-07600B  Unlawful acts--Permit required. Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-72-076, effective immediately until further notice, it shall be unlawful to transfer shellfish aquaculture products (including all oysters and clams, oyster seed, cultch, and shell), and aquaculture equipment (including aquaculture vehicles and vessels) from the waters and tidelands of Grays Harbor inside and easterly of a line projected from the outermost end of the north jetty to the outermost end of the south jetty without obtaining written permission from the director of fish and wildlife or the director's authorized agent. Transfers to the waters and tidelands of Willapa Bay inside and easterly of a line projected from the most northern tip of Leadbetter Point true north to Cape Shoalwater are exempted from this written permission requirement. Such written permit must be affixed to or otherwise accompany the conveyance affecting the physical transfer of such shellfish, shellfish aquaculture products (including oyster seed, cultch, and shell), or aquaculture equipment (including aquaculture vehicles and vessels).

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REPEALER

The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:

WAC 220-72-07600A Unlawful acts--Permit required. (98-116)