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Parties stated their understanding that the data on salmon production and interceptions 

 would be imprecise, that equity could be subject to differing methods of calculation, and 

 that, therefore, "it would be some time before the Commission [could] develop programs 

 to implement the provisions of Article III, paragraph 1 (b) [equity] in a complete and 

 comprehensive manner." There is no statement in the MOU on the conservation principle 

 in Article III, paragraph 1 (a) which corresponds to the understanding with respect to the 

 implementation of equity. 



In the short term, according to the MOU, the Parties are to "ensure that the annual 

 fishery regimes and understandings regarding enhancement are developed in an equitable 

 maimer, taking into account the principle outlined in Article III 1(b) [equity]." Relevant 

 to this process are "changes in the benefits flowing to each of the Parties through 

 alteration of fishing patterns, conservation actions, or as the result of changes in 

 abundance of the runs." Thus, the development of equitable allocations is premised upon 

 certain factors, including actions to conserve the fisheries. Of course, the reverse is not 

 true, the implementation of equity is not a factor upon which conservation actions are to 

 be based. 



In the longer term, if an equity imbalance is found, "it is expected that the Parties 

 would develop a phased program to eliminate the inequity within a specified time period, 

 taking into account the provisions of Article III, paragraph 3." The "correction of 

 imbalances is a national responsibility and may involve differential fishery adjustments or 

 enhancement projects on a regional basis within either country." The Party with the 

 advantage is to submit appropriate proposals for rectification of an inequity, and the 

 Commission is to discuss them. Agreed measures are to be reflected in the fishery regimes 

 and in coordinated enhancement planning "in ensuing years". 



