198 



* This conflict highlights the importance of reformulating the PST so that it: 1) 

 replaces fixed harvest ceilings with abundance-based total allowable catch limits 

 which reflect the abundance and conservation needs of salmon stocks; 2) provides 

 for harvest allocations which are responsive to changes in fish abundance; and 3) 

 establishes an allocation framework which will promote the efficient use of 

 resources, maximize economic benefits, and reduce conflict between the treaty 

 parties. 



Recommendations for Action by the U.S. Administration and U.S. Non- 

 Governmental Organizations 



Short term options to address the conflicts at hand are needed. A comprehensive 

 package of measures will be needed to reduce current conflicts and provide impetus 

 for renewed Treaty negotiations leading toward an improved Treaty. 



1. Implement strategies to require the North Pacific Fishery Management Council 

 (NPFMC) and the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) to either 

 reduce harvests of Fraser River sockeye, or compensate Canada for lost fishing 

 opportunities. Such strategies could include: 



A. Initiate a formal dispute resolution process aimed at framing a unified U.S. 

 position. 



B. Increase the authority of the federal government to arbitrate conflicts between the 

 States and Tribes in the interests of conservation and implementing the PST Issue 

 preemptive regulations to reduce Alaskan interceptions of Canada-origin fish if the 

 NPFMC and/or ADFG fail to act, and if the dispute resolution process fails. 



C. Compensate Canada for lost fishing opportunities resulting from interception of 

 Canadian-origin sockeye by SEAK fisheries in excess of allowable catch limits. 



2. Offer to provide for a full accounting of Fraser sockeye catches in SEIAK 

 fisheries against negotiated harvest ceilings, instead of limiting accounting to U.S. 

 harvests in Washington State waters. 



3. Invest more funds in effective watershed restoration programs to rebuild US- 

 origin salmon stocks, so as to provide harvest opportunities for Canadian 

 fishermen to balance incidental harvest of Canada-origin fish by US fishermen, 

 and to rebuild U.S. salmon fisheries. Economic assistance for unemployed U.S. 

 fishermen should be targeted toward employing fishermen in watershed restoration 

 projects and fish surveys. 



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