HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 95-4625, by Representatives Kremen, Goldsmith and Hatfield

     WHEREAS, The commercial crab fishery industry is an important industry in this state; and

     WHEREAS, The closure of the crab fishery season will adversely affect the common good of the citizens of this state; and

     WHEREAS, Judge Rafeedie's December 20, 1994, ruling does not require the state to terminate the non-Indian crab season; and

     WHEREAS, While the state's effort to act in good faith with the tribal governments is laudable, it is not necessary to place the full impact of this spirit of cooperation solely on the inner Puget Sound crab fishers; and

     WHEREAS, The state created a crab season that runs from October through April, and sold licenses based on this time period; and

     WHEREAS, The state is considering appealing Judge Rafeedie's decision; and

     WHEREAS, Too short of notice was given to the crab fishers to provide for adequate time to halt their operations in a safe fashion and to make alternative financial arrangements;

     NOW, THEREFORE, The Washington State House of Representatives believes that the commercial crab season should be immediately restored to the previously agreed upon dates.

I hereby 4625 certify this to be a true and correct copy of

Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                February 17, 1995.

         ________________________________

          Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk