WHEREAS, The Washington State commercial fishing fleet begins leaving in March 2018 for the Pacific and Alaskan waters; and

WHEREAS, The Blessing of the Fleet will occur in Blaine Harbor on May 6, 2018; and

WHEREAS, The commercial fishing industry has been a long tradition in the state of Washington, and is an integral aspect of the economic life for many families; and

WHEREAS, The danger and hardship of fishers on the high seas requires bravery, courage, and fortitude from the people who risk their lives to harvest the ocean's resources; and

WHEREAS, The risks involved with fishing too often take the lives of the brave men and women who choose to work on the sea; and

WHEREAS, The tragedy of losing our friends and neighbors on the high seas impact not only the close community of fishing families, but also our entire state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate extend its condolences to the families and friends of all our fishers who have lost their lives at sea, wish the entire commercial fishing fleet a safe and prosperous season, and express its hope that all of our fishers will return home safely to their families, friends, and communities.

I, Brad Hendrickson, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8686,

adopted by the Senate

February 16, 2018

BRAD HENDRICKSON

Secretary of the Senate