WHEREAS, The Washington state commercial fishing fleet leaves Blaine and Bellingham waters in May; and
     WHEREAS, This is the 31st year the Blessing of the Fleet will occur in Blaine Harbor and will be presented at Blaine Boating Center on May 4, 2014; and
     WHEREAS, This is the 39th year that the Blessing of the Fleet will occur at the Port of Bellingham and will be presented at Zuanich Point Park in Squalicum Harbor on May 10, 2014; 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 annual harvest is vital to the growth and stability of Washington state's economy; and
     WHEREAS, The life of a fisher is fraught with danger and hardships 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, 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 affects the close-knit community of fishing families in our region, but also the sum of our state;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives extend its condolences to the families and friends of all Washington fishers who have lost their lives at sea. We wish the entire commercial fishing fleet a safe and prosperous season and hope that all of our fishers will return home safely to their families, friends, and communities.