WHEREAS, The Washington state commercial fishing fleet begins leaving in March for the Pacific and Alaskan waters, and the Blessing of the Fleet occurred at Fisherman's Terminal in Ballard on March 12, 2017; and

WHEREAS, This is the 33rd year that the Blessing of the Fleet will occur in Blaine Harbor, and this year it will be presented at Blaine Boating Center on May 7, 2017; and

WHEREAS, This is the 41st year that the Blessing of the Fleet will occur in Bellingham, and this year it will be presented at Zuanich Point Park in Squalicum Harbor in May 2017; 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 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 courage is required 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 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.