TO THE HONORABLE BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND TO THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES, IN CONGRESS ASSEMBLED, AND TO THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION:

We, your Memorialists, the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of Washington, in legislative session assembled, respectfully represent and petition as follows:

WHEREAS, The people of Washington recognize that the health of salmon and steelhead populations is vital to our biological and cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, The salmon harvest contributes over one billion dollars annually to Washington's economy; and

WHEREAS, The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works with tribal governments and other partners to restore salmon and steelhead, provide recreational opportunities, and support economically viable and sustainable fisheries; and

WHEREAS, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has recognized Washington salmon and steelhead populations in the endangered species list under the endangered species act (16 U.S.C. Sec. 1531 et seq.); and

WHEREAS, Section 9 of the endangered species act prohibits the "take" of an endangered species absent the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries' approval of hatchery and genetic management plans; and

WHEREAS, The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has submitted over one hundred fifty statewide hatchery and genetic management plans for approval, including more than thirty-five Puget Sound hatchery and genetic management plans; and

WHEREAS, In 2004 and 2005, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries stated it would not approve Puget Sound hatchery and genetic management plans until it completed a regional environmental impact statement for Puget Sound hatcheries; and

WHEREAS, In July 2014, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries released a Puget Sound hatcheries draft environmental impact statement; and

WHEREAS, Absent the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries' approval of any Puget Sound hatchery and genetic management plans, our Puget Sound hatchery programs are operating without necessary permits under the endangered species act;

NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully pray that the Congress of the United States of America provide the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries sufficient resources to expedite review of Puget Sound hatchery and genetic management plans and that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries prioritize and conduct immediate review and approval of Puget Sound hatchery and genetic management plans.

BE IT RESOLVED, That copies of this Memorial be immediately transmitted to the Honorable Barack Obama, President of the United States, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and each member of Congress from the State of Washington.

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