A couple weeks back there was an amendment passed in the Congress that said any and all comercial fishing boats that were held up in a foriegn port would be reimbursed for lost time and wages so all you voters need to call your senators and tell them that we already pay for the fish and we do not want to pay their wages with our tax money.This needs to be defeated before it gets to the Pres. for signing into law.

What exactly does the amendment say? Will their wages be paid, if they are illegally held in foreign ports, or legal seizures, as well (can't imagine the latter). If it indeed is the former, than this may provide commercial fishermen some protection from illegal seizures conducted for whatever reasons. The first reason that comes to mind is if the U.S. seizes foreign fishing vessels for illegal fishing in U.S. waters. Or illegal fishing in the high seas (drift nets) in which we have agreements with other countries. Or the sometimes nasty political stuff going on between U.S. and Canadian salmon fisheries--interceptions. The foreign nation may do the same to our vessels in retribution or to provide political leverage to get their vessels released.

In this sense, this amendment may ultimately provide protection to our fish resources, if foreign nations know that the seizure of our vessels won't have as great of economic consequences to the fishing industry.

The commercial fishermen from Washington were restricted a few years back from taking the inside passage. Many of the boats were to small to go outside Vancouver Island. These people have families, home payments, etc.. This is a good law and I support it. Put yourself in their shoes.
I am not for overharvest by anybody be it commercial or sportfishermen. I don't think that is the issue here so I am in favor of this law.
Tight Lines

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Marty
Steelheader.net marty@steelheader.net