EMERGENCY RULES 
 
 An agency may adopt a new or amended section or repeal an existing section on 
an emergency basis if it determines that such action is necessary for the public 
health, safety, or welfare of this state. The section may become effective 
immediately upon filing with the  Texas Register, or on a stated date less than 
20 days after filing and remaining in effect no more than 120 days. The 
emergency action is renewable once for no more than 60 additional days. 
  Symbology in amended emergency sections. New language added to an existing 
section is indicated by the use of  bold text. [Brackets] indicate deletion of 
existing material within a section. 
 
   
  TITLE 31. NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION 
 Part II. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 
  Chapter 57. Fisheries 
  
  Emergency Shrimp Season Closure 
 
  31 TAC sec.57.352 
 
  The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department adopts on an emergency basis new 
sec.57.352, concerning provisions for an early opening of the shrimping season 
in Gulf (outside) waters of the Texas territorial sea (nine nautical miles). 
Based on sound biological data, the executive director has determined that 
migration of small brown shrimp from the bays to the Gulf of Mexico will occur 
earlier than the May 15 regulatory closure date. The emergency rule is adopted 
to adjust the July 15 opening date to July 12, providing for a maximum closure 
of 60 days. 
 The purpose of the closed Gulf season is to protect brown shrimp during their 
major period of emigration from the bays to the Gulf of Mexico until they reach 
a larger, more valuable size before harvest and to prevent waste caused by the 
discarding of smaller individuals. The executive director found imminent peril 
to the public welfare which required the closing date be moved forward to May 
13, 1994. This emergency measure minimizes social and economic hardship in a 
depressed industry by closing the season two days earlier than scheduled. Early 
closure is also intended to obtain optimum yield from the shrimp resource. 
 The new section is adopted on an emergency basis under the authority of the 
Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, sec.77.062. In April 1978, the Texas Parks and 
Wildlife Commission delegated to the executive director the duties and 
responsibilities of opening and closing the shrimping season under this section. 
 
 
  sec.57.352. Early Closure of the Gulf Shrimping Season. The 1994 general 
closed season for shrimp as defined in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, 
sec.77.061(a)(1), extends from 30 minutes after sunset May 13, 1994, to 30 
minutes after sunset July 12, 1994. 
 
  Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 6, 1994. 
 TRD-9440585 
  Paul M. Shinkawa 
 Director of Legal Services 
 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 
    Effective date: May 9, 1994 
 Expiration date: July 9, 1994 
 For further information, please call: 1-800-792-1112, Ext. 4433 or (512) 389-
4433