WSR 17-14-008 EMERGENCY RULES DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE [Order 17-134—Filed June 22, 2017, 11:14 a.m., effective June 23, 2017, 11:59 p.m.] Effective Date of Rule: June 23, 2017, 11:59 p.m.
Purpose: Amend recreational fishing rules for the halibut fishery.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 220-314-03000H; and amending WAC 220-314-030.
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: This emergency rule is needed to close the halibut fishery in the Nearshore Area in Marine Area 1 because the recreational halibut allocation for the Columbia River subarea has been taken. There is not sufficient quota remaining to allow incidental halibut retention in this area after June 23, 2017. Recreational halibut fishing will remain closed in all other marine areas for the remainder of the season as there is insufficient quota remaining to reopen for another day. These rules conform to action taken by the Pacific Fishery Management Council and the International Pacific Halibut Commission. 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Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 1.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 23 [22], 2017.
Joe Stohr
for J. W. Unsworth
Director
NEW SECTION
WAC 220-314-03000I Halibut—Seasons—Daily and possession limits.
Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 220-314-030, 220-314-040, and 220-314-010, effective 11:59 p.m. June 23, 2017, until further notice, it is unlawful to fish for or possess halibut taken for personal use in Catch Record Areas 1 through 13.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed effective 11:59 p.m. June 23, 2017:
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