Emergency Sections 
 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, for no more than 120 days. The emergency action is 
renewable once for no more than 60 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 
  
  Shrimp Season 
 
  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 July 15 statutory opening date. Sound biological data indicate 
that most of the shrimp on the Gulf fishing grounds will meet or exceed the 65 
tails per pound size criterion on July 6. 
 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 season will close 30 minutes after sunset 
May 15, 1993. The executive director found imminent peril to the public welfare 
required the opening date as an emergency measure to minimize social and 
economic hardship in a depressed industry by opening the season nine days 
earlier than scheduled and to obtain optimum yield from the resource. 
 The new section is adopted on an emergency basis under the Texas Parks and 
Wildlife Code, sec.77.062, which provides the executive director authority of 
duties and responsibilities of opening and closing the shrimping season under 
this section as of April 1978. 
 
 
  sec.57.352. Early Opening of the Gulf Shrimping Season. The 1993 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 15, 1993, to 30 
minutes after sunset July 6, 1993. 
 
  Issued in Austin, Texas, on May 6, 1993. 
 TRD-9322555 
  Paul M. Shinkawa 
 Director, Legal Services 
 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 
    Effective date: May 6, 1993 
 Expiration date: June 27, 1993 
 For further information, please call: (512) 389-4863