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For the first five-six years following the treaty, the U.S attempted to reach agreements 

 with Canada by appealing to a basic conservation ethic. Both countries depend upon 

 each others' salmon production, therefore we have a mutual interest in protecting and 

 sustaining that production at the highest level possible. 



The Canadian response has been consistent. It is the Canadian view that this approach 

 does not address the second basic principle of the treaty -- that each country should 

 receive benefits equivalent to the production of salmon from its waters. To Canada the 

 U.S. approach would result in reduced interceptions of U.S. stocks while maintaining or 

 increasing U.S. interceptions of Canadian stocks. The potential for future benefits to 

 both countries in the future as a result of short-term actions is viewed skeptically by 

 Canada. While Canada has encouraged conservation, it has also stressed its view that it 

 would be desirable for each country to reduce interceptions and to become more 

 dependent upon its own production. 



The two countries have made some progress with respect to equity. Many of the basic 

 differences in estimated interceptions have been reconciled. The two countries have 

 exchanged views with respect to equity through plenary sessions and have conducted a 

 workshop to discuss methods and data required for estimating benefits. Both countries 

 have tabled basic frameworks for evaluating equity status. 



During the 1992/93 negotiating cycle, it become apparent that differences within the U.S. 

 Section were a major roadblock to progress. The southern area contingent supported the 

 so-called two track process - dealing with equity at a government-to-government level in 

 parallel to Commission efforts to address long-term conservation objectives. We had 

 hoped that this strategy would clear the way for meaningful progress on conservation 

 issues. We were prepared to cooperate with federal efforts to address equity issues. 



The U.S. made a special effort to overcome domestic differences and table a 

 comprehensive position on conservation issues early in the 1993/94 negotiating cycle. 

 Canada did not respond, citing its perception of a lack of progress in the government-to- 

 government discussions regarding equity. Our view of the situation was made quite 

 clear via a joint letter sent by Governor Mike Lowry, Governor Barbara Roberts, Bill 

 Frank Jr and Eugene Green Sr. (attached). 



We support the President's call to move forward on strategies to rebuild salmon stocks 

 to optimum production through better harvest management and coast-wide habitat 

 protection and restoration. The Treaty was intended to provide the vehicle for this 

 progress. However, it has been clear for several years that progress on the equity issue 

 is critical to the success of the Treaty. Absent such progress, Canada simply will not 

 cooperate fully in rebuilding depressed Pacific salmon stocks. 



Robert Turner 



