Nineteenth District Rep. Brian Blake, D-Aberdeen, has been appointed to the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force, replacing former Rep. Dean Takko, according to a press release.
The task force is comprised of lawmakers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, Alaska and British Columbia. It was created to promote the industries of fishing, seafood and aquaculture, and to work with other fishery organizations to resolve inter-state disputes.
“I am looking forward to participating on the task force and working with lawmakers from other states on management policies to improve the conservation of fisheries, as well as advocating for responsible hatchery practices along the Pacific Coast,” Blake, who also chairs the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, said.
The Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force serves as a “clearinghouse for opinion” from various parties involved in Pacific fishing. Member duties include reporting to the Legislature and congressional delegations of the participating states on issues that involve the protection and cultivation of fishing in the Pacific region.
“The importance of fisheries in our state cannot be underestimated; from supplying a food source for millions of families, to creating jobs, to providing recreation, the impact of the industry on the entire state of Washington is unquestionable,” Blake said.
According to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the state’s recreational and commercial fisheries generate $2.8 billion of economic activity annually and support 28,000 jobs. Local communities, small businesses, and Indian tribes throughout Washington depend on the resources, stated the release.
