WHEREAS, The Washington state commercial fishing fleet begins leaving in March for the Pacific and Alaskan waters, and the Blessing of the Fleet will occur March 8, 2009, at Fisherman's Terminal in Ballard; and
     WHEREAS, This is the 81st year that the Ballard First Lutheran Church has held the blessing; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington state commercial fishing fleet begins leaving Blaine waters in May, and the Blessing of the Fleet will occur at Saw Tooth Dock in Blaine Harbor, May 3, 2009; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington state commercial fishing fleet is one of the world's largest distant water fleets; and
     WHEREAS, The commercial fishing industry directly and indirectly employs thousands of people and is one of the largest industries in Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, The harvest annually contributes significantly to the Washington state economy; and
     WHEREAS, The life of a fisher is fraught with danger and hardship that most people will never face; and
     WHEREAS, Strength and courage are requirements for anyone who chooses to work on the sea, braving the elements in order to harvest the ocean's resources; and
     WHEREAS, The men and women who work on fishing boats, at times in dangerous circumstances, deserve our admiration, thanks, and, when tragedy strikes, our remembrance; and
     WHEREAS, Too often fishers lose their lives, devastating not only the close-knit community of fishing families in our region, 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.