HomeMy WebLinkAboutres1997-023WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL
NO._ 1997 - 161
CLEARANCES Date Date Received in Council Office Agenda Date Assigned To
Orig. Dept.: County Council
4/30/97
5/6/97
Natural Res / Council
Division Head:
Dept. Head:
Prosecutor:
Budget:
Executive:
SUBJECT.-
Resolution support sharing Fraser River sockeye salmon between U.S. and Canada
ATTACHMENTS
Proposed resolution
SUMMARY STATEMENT. -
Related County Contract #: n/a Should the Clerk schedule a hearing? (Y/N N Requested Date:
This resolution strongly urges the appropriate state and federal agencies to support a return to a sharing arrangement for the
harvest of the Fraser River sockeye by U.S. fishers agreed to by Canada in 1985 of 28 percent.
RECOMMENDED MOTION (for final action):
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN
1997-161 5/6/97: Approved 7 - 0. Res. #97 -023
''elated File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution Number (this item only):
Re's--4- q-20.-s
Fmer.430 SPONSORED BY: Nf-I son
PROPOSED BY: Nelson
INTRODUCTION DATE: 5/6/97
RESOLUTION NO. 97-023
2 SUPPORTING A SHARING ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES
3 AND CANADA REGARDING FRASER RIVER SOCKEYE SALMON
4 WHEREAS, the annual U.S. harvest of Fraser River sockeye salmon is vital to both treaty
5 and non - treaty fishermen for the economic well -being and stability of related industry, and
6 communities of this county; and
7 WHEREAS, joint conservation and rebuilding efforts by the U.S. and Canada have
8 increased the size of the Fraser River sockeye salmon runs to levels not seen since the early part of
9 this century, creating more fishing opportunity for both countries; and
10 WHEREAS, the proposed U.S. share represents a return to the status quo of the agreement
11 reached by the parties when the treaty was signed. It reflects properly the special circumstances and
12 history of this unique fishery which has been jointly developed and utilized cooperatively by the two
13 countries for over 60 years; and
14 WHEREAS, U.S. commercial fishers are expressing outrage and disgust as they experience
15 financial hardships resulting from the reduction of the U.S. share of the Fraser River sockeye salmon
16 harvest from its historic pre- treaty level of 50 percent. Despite the fact there has been a 20%
17 increase in Fraser River sockeye salmon stocks, the allotment has decreased over the years to a level
18 of 14 %, which has led to further hardship for the U.S. commercial fishing communities; and
19 WHEREAS, the present stalemate in resolving outstanding differences has gravely
20 jeopardized the future of the Pacific Salmon Treaty. Furthermore, in order to maintain any
21 international agreement it is essential to maintain public support and confidence in the agreement.
22 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Whatcom County Council that it is now
23 incumbent upon the U.S. to take a forceful position in a diplomatic initiative which will restore the
24 confidence of U.S. fishers and redirect the course of treaty implementation back to the basic
25 purposes for which it was intended. For these reasons, some "strong support" is called for by the
26 Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission and the United States Government.
27
28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council strongly urges the
29 appropriate state and federal agencies to support a return to a sharing arrangement, agreed to by
30 Canada in 1985, for the harvest of 28 percent of the Fraser River sockeye salmon by U.S. fishers.
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By doing this, undue disruption and threats to the economic well -being of the commercial fishing
communities is less likely to happen for the years 1997 and beyond.
APPROVED this 6 day of May , 1997.
ATTEST:
Dan rown- Davis, Cler-k-o'f-&e Council
APP R D AS TO FORM:
Ci it Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Z Ward Nelson, CcRincil Chair
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