Washington_v._Washington_State_Commercial_Passenger_Fishing_Vessel_Ass'n
Washington v. Washington State Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel Association
1979 U.S. Supreme Court case on indigenous fishing rights in Washington State
Washington v. Washington State Commercial Passenger Fishing Vessel Association, 443 U.S. 658 (1979), was a United States Supreme Court case related to Indian fishing rights in Washington State. It held that the usual and accustomed clause of the Stevens Treaties protected Indians' share of anadromous fish in addition to protecting fishing grounds. To do this, runs of anadromous fish that travel through tribal fishing areas should be divided equally between treaty-protected and non-treaty parties. After that, the treaty-protected parties cut should be lowered if they can be satisfied with a smaller amount. The court also held that its decision superseded state law, and that Washington's Game and Fisheries Department may be required to make laws upholding the ruling.[1]
The decision was 6–3 in favor of Washington. John Paul Stevens wrote the majority opinion.[2]
Philip Lacovara defended the Non-Indian Fishermen Association in the case.[2]