WSR 26-14-085
EMERGENCY RULES
DEPARTMENT OF
FISH AND WILDLIFE
[Order 26-119—Filed June 29, 2026, 2:57 p.m., effective June 29, 2026, 2:57 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: This emergency rule cancels previously announced recreational shrimp opening in Marine Area 7 West and opens two days of shrimping in Marine Area 6 outside of Discovery Bay.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-330-07000L; and amending WAC 220-330-070.
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: Harvest and effort data from previous openings indicate the spot shrimp quota for Marine Area 7 West has been attained, necessitating its closure, and sufficient spot shrimp quota remains in Marine Area 6 outside Discovery Bay for an additional two-day opening. This rule maintains other previously announced recreational spot shrimp and nonspot shrimp openings in Puget Sound. This rule is needed to ensure an orderly fishery, manage the fishery within court-ordered sharing requirements, and meet conservation objectives. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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: June 29, 2026.
Amy H. Windrope
for Kelly Susewind
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-330-07000MShrimp—Areas and seasons.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-330-070, effective immediately, through October 15, 2026, it is unlawful to fish for or possess shrimp taken for personal use in all waters of Marine Areas 4 (east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and the Discovery Bay Shrimp District, except as provided for in this section:
(1) Marine Areas 4 (east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line) and 5: Open daily for all shrimp species from 1 hour before official sunrise to 1 hour after official sunset.
(2) Marine Area 6 (excluding the Discovery Bay Shrimp District): Open for all shrimp species from 1 hour before official sunrise to 1 hour after official sunset July 19 through July 20.
(3) Discovery Bay Shrimp District: Closed.
(4) Marine Area 7 South: Closed.
(5) Marine Area 7 West: Closed.
(6) Marine Area 7 East: Open daily for shrimp species other than spot shrimp. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 200 feet deep. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
(7) Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2: Open daily for shrimp species other than spot shrimp. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 175 feet deep. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
(8) Marine Area 9: Open daily for shrimp species other than spot shrimp. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 150 feet deep. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
(9) Marine Area 10 (inside Elliott Bay): That portion of Marine Area 10 east of a line drawn from West Point to Alki Point: Closed.
(10) Marine Area 10 (outside Elliott Bay): That portion of Marine Area 10 west of a line drawn from West Point to Alki Point: Closed.
(11) Marine Area 11: Open daily for shrimp species other than spot shrimp. It is unlawful to set or pull shrimp gear in waters greater than 150 feet deep. All spot shrimp caught must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
(12) Marine Area 12: Open for all shrimp species, July 7 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
(13) Marine Area 13: Closed.
REPEALER
The following section of Washington Administrative Code is repealed, effective immediately:
WAC 220-330-07000L | Shrimp—Areas and seasons. (26-107) |