Statement by Secretary of the Interior Cecil D. Andrus on Washington State Salmon Fishery, Seattle, Wash.

You are, I am sure, aware of my Idaho background and the problems that Idaho has had and continues to have with it's anadromous fish runs. You should also know that this Administration has Provided for the "Lower Snake River Compensation Plan," in essence, more than [X]0 million dollars worth of anadromous fish hatcheries to mitigate for lot spawning and rearing habitat from hydro-electric and irrigation darns on the Snake River Drainage.

I mention these efforts to show the commitment of this Administration to the total problem of reduced Pacific salmon populations We are determined that this resource will again be a viable and healthy entity.

The Carter Administration's goal is to make possible a plan that will provide a lasting solution to the problems of management and enhancement and will provide more immediate relief from economic and emotional burdens of the fishermen of the State of Washington. Accordingly, we are committed to provide $50 million of federal funds for a salmon and steelhead enhancement program. This is proposed as a matching program with the state which in total would provide $100 million before the program is complete.

We are prepared to participate in a coordinated process for selecting enhancement projects--a process that shares these decisions with fishery experts not only from the Federal agencies but also from the state and the tribes. When the enhancement list has been refined and final selections made the end result will be a substantial increase in harvestable fish. Of the 50 million dollar federal contribution, $31 million is projected over the next ten years for capital expenditures and the remaining $19 million over the next five years is for the operation and maintenance of enhancement projects and related activities.

Although this enhancement program is important, we must not lose sight in any plan to increase adult fish stocks through artificial methods of the valuable natural spawning areas and runs. Our commitment and that of your state, is enhancement through construction of various fish rearing and other facilities, and management of natural runs to achieve full potential of available spawning and rearing areas. A satisfactory resolution of the question of whether hatchery fish are subject to the Treaty right must also be worked out.

For many years there has been an increase in the total number of commercial fishing permits issued, not only in Washington but in nearly every state bounded by an ocean. A second component of this Administration's commitment to the enhancement of salmon and steelhead, and the opportunity to take them is the fishing Fleet Adjustment Program. This Administration will request the Congress to appropriate $25 million over the next ten years to purchase, or "buy back", non-treaty commercial fishing vessels and equipment. This is also proposed as a matching program with the state which in total would provide $50 million before the program is complete. Fleet adjustment is a matter of Washington’s commercial fishing licensing. Other changes in the licensing program may be useful as well, and need to be worked out with the State.

Treaty Indian Tribes will have access to a loan and loan guarantee program available to allow them to upgrade their ability to harvest the Indian share of fish. The Administration will recounted an authorization of $15 million for a loan and loan guarantee program for Treaty Tribes.

These programs will serve to bring the Indian and non-Indian commercial salmon fleets into an appropriate balance consistent with the allocation of the fishery resource approved by the U.S. Supreme Court. But most importantly these programs will help preserve the viability of commercial fishing for salmon as a viable economic occupation.

The Administration is proud to undertake this $90 million commitment for the continuation of our vital fisheries as an important renewable natural resource as well as to preserve the 'lD1.ique life style of the Northwest’s fishermen.

Objective: To provide enhancement of Salmon runs and adjustments to the Indian and nan-Indian fishing fleets in order to restructure and stabilize the Salmon fishing industry consistent with the Supreme Court's determination of Indian fishing rights, and so that fishing remains a viable economic occupation. The Administration is prepared to commit $90 million over ten years as a part of a State-Federal matching program to achieve this objective.

Enhancement Program: Specifically, this enhancement program will produce an increase in the Pacific salmon populations. With proper harvest management it will provide increased availability to both the ocean and In-shore commercial and sport fishery of salmon and steelhead. Administration will recommend an authorization for appropriation of the following funds to be matched equally by the State: