The vitality of the fishing industry in the state of Washington is a matter of public Importance and significance. Environmental conditions in 1983, moot notably the warm water currents which swept the West Coast, were found to dramatically alter the survival and migration patterns of ocean salmon stocks upon which the ocean salmon fishing industry depends.

Statistics indicate that 1983 incomes throughout the ocean fishery were less than 10 percent of average. Fisheries managers are forced by the needs of resource conservation to consider ocean harvest levels in 1984 that are dramatically lower than 1983's severely depressed levels.

The unanticipated decline in gross revenue that occurred in 1983 and the unavoidable further reduction inevitable in 1984 have caused economic dislocations of major proportions in the scare of Washington.

In order to promote the economic well-being of the state and the ocean fishing industry, it is desirable for the state of Washington to take actions intended to mitigate impacts affecting the ocean fishing industry.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John Spellman, Governor of the state of Washington, by virtue of the authority vested in me, find that the dramatic decline in income from ocean fishing to the harvesting industry constitutes a statewide public disaster affecting life, health, property, or the public peace. Therefore, I do hereby proclaim a state of emergency and order and direct the following:

A. The Director of the Department of Fisheries to favorably consider the voluntary request of a valid 1984 commercial troll or salmon charter vessel license holder that his or tier license be suspended in 1984;

B. The Director of the Department of Fisheries to issue in 1985 valid commercial troll, and charter licenses and angler permits to persons who otherwise would be eligible for them in 1985 but for failure to catch and land a food fish from his or tier vessel in 1984;

C. The Director of the Department of Fisheries to place such revenues into the undistributed receipts account as are necessary to refund the license fees of those electing to participate in the program implemented pursuant to this order;

D. The Director of the Department of Fisheries to inform interested commercial salmon fishermen of this order and procedures for its implementation.