107 



Inw Honorable Bill Clinton 



;juo«2IJ994 



>«geTwo 



We in mm must a^ree to reduce interceptions in our fisheries of stocks that (he Canadians deem 

 valuable. There lies the sticking point. Alaska disagrees with Washington. Oregon and the tnbes over 

 closures in Alaskan waters that the Canadians say mu<i occur before they can agree to pass through 

 salmon that Washington. Oregon and the tribes wish lo receive. 1 would point out that a majority of the 

 catch in the disputed Alaskan fishery is taken by boat* that homo port in Washington State. 



On the U.S. side, under the cover of the Pacific Salmon Commission, the states and tribes meet to work 

 out our ueaty give-and-take. As it is set-up, this commission requires a unanimous vote before a U.S. 

 treaty position results. Such a mechanism requiring absolute agreement by all of its members is 

 designed to break down. It is broken now and sunds m 'he way of conservation of Northwest salmon. 

 Oregon, Washington and the tribes have no trouble reaching agreement on what needs to be done and 

 have made aumerous proposals to Alaska, but Alaska »«>* "o *"<* exercises iu built-in veto. 



The U.S. federal government alone has the power to </verride the sulematc that plagues the commission 

 and must use this power to negotiate a decision with the Canadians. Repeatedly, the Secretary of Slate 

 and the Secretary of Commerce have heard from me. ffC" ""X regional colleagues, from the Northwest's 

 congressional delegation, from the tribes, from recresitKjnai and commercial fishers and from 

 conservationists, asking that the administration exerc*se the powers it has under the Constitution and the 

 Pacific Salmon Treaty to break the deadlock. But actnon has not been forthcoming. 



Now the law of unintended and unwanted consequen*^ "* app'y'ng 'o 'hat lack of action. We again 

 petition the administration to act before the situation «ets worse. I pledge to you Washington State's 

 earnest desire to review and reform the Pacific Sains** Commission. I also pledge to do our utmost to 

 help you bring about fruitful treaty agreemenU with «»«'' Canadian friends. I cannot express more 

 stron^y in the meantime, however, the need for ene»!fe*>c federal leadership to break the current impasse 

 and so renew treaty uiks that can evenniato in conser>'mg our salmon and leaving our fishing boats free 

 to tramit tfa« Inland Passage. 



Sinewety, 



