    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [January 9, 2003]
    [Page 45]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting an Agreement Amending the Canada-
    United States Treaty on Pacific Coast Albacore Tuna Vessels and Port
    Privileges
    January 9, 2003

    To the Senate of the United States:
        With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to
    ratification, I transmit herewith the Agreement Amending the Treaty
    Between the Government of the United States of America and the
    Government of Canada on Pacific Coast Albacore Tuna Vessels and Port
    Privileges done at Washington May 26, 1981 (the ``Treaty''), effected by
    an exchange of diplomatic notes at Washington on July 17, 2002, and
    August 13, 2002 (the ``Agreement''). I am also enclosing, for the
    information of the Senate, the report of the Secretary of State on the
    Agreement and a related agreement, effected by an exchange of notes at
    Washington on August 21, 2002, and September 10, 2002, amending the
    Annexes to the Treaty; this related agreement was concluded pursuant to
    Article VII of the Treaty.
        The Treaty currently permits unlimited fishing for albacore tuna by
    vessels of each Party in waters under the jurisdiction of the other
    Party. The Agreement amends the Treaty to allow for a limitation on such
    fishing necessitated by changing circumstances.
        The U.S. fishing and processing industries strongly support the
    amendment to the Treaty. The amendment not only allows the Parties to
    redress the imbalance of benefits received by U.S. fishers that has
    developed in the operation of the Treaty, but also preserves U.S.
    interests under the Treaty, including the interest of U.S. fishers to
    fish in Canadian waters at times when the albacore stock moves
    northward, the interest of U.S. processors to continue to receive
    Canadian catches for processing, and the U.S. interest in being able to
    conserve and manage the stock.
        The recommended legislation necessary to implement the Agreement
    will be submitted separately to the Congress.
        I recommend that the Senate give favorable consideration to this
    Agreement and give its advice and consent to ratification at an early
    date.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     January 9, 2003.