HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2015-4623, by Representatives Buys, Tarleton, Carlyle, Van Werven, Morris, and Lytton

WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington State House of Representatives to honor the successes and sacrifices of commercial fishermen; and

WHEREAS, The Washington State commercial fishing fleet begins leaving in March and May, and the Blessing of the Fleet will occur at Fishermen's Terminal in Ballard on March 15, 2015; and

WHEREAS, This is the 87th year the Ballard First Lutheran Church has held the blessing and the 19th year Pastor Erik Wilson Weiberg has offered the blessing; and

WHEREAS, This is the 40th year the Blessing of the Fleet will occur at the Port of Bellingham, and this year it will be presented at Zuanich Point Park in Squalicum Harbor on May 16, 2015, at 11:00 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, This is the 32nd year the Blessing of the Fleet will occur in Blaine Harbor, and this year it will be presented at Blaine Boating Center on May 3, 2015 at 1:30 p.m.; 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, the annual harvest is vital to the growth and stability of the Washington State economy; and

WHEREAS, The life of a fisher is fraught with danger and hardship most people will never face, and strength and courage are requirements for anyone who chooses to work on the sea, as fishers must brave the elements in order to harvest the ocean's resources; and

WHEREAS, The men and women who work on fishing boats, often in dangerous circumstances, deserve our admiration, thanks, and, when tragedy strikes, our remembrance; and

WHEREAS, Too often, the brave men and women of our fishing fleet lose their lives, a tragedy that not only impacts the close-knit community of fishing families in our region, but also our entire state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives 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.