Preliminary estimates through May 22 and projections through May 24 for the South Coast Washington sport halibut fishery (Queets River to Leadbetter Point) indicate that the 42,739-pound quota will be attained by May 24. Therefore, the all-depth sport fishery for halibut, including the near shore area (Queets River south to 47^o00'00" N. latitude and east of 124^o40'00" W. longitude) closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 24, 2001. After the closure, the harvest will be re-evaluated by managers from the Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, National Marine Fisheries Service and International Pacific Halibut Commission. If the quota is not reached and a sufficient number of pounds are available, a limited opening may be permitted.