Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Wednesday unanimously passed House Joint Resolution 26, which asks the federal government to begin a dialog with Canada and Alaska over the disputed maritime boundaries between Canada and Alaska.

"The Federal government established a maritime boundary with Canada between Maine and Nova Scotia fourteen years ago," said Representative John Coghill (R-North Pole), sponsor of HJR 26. "Despite repeated requests from the Alaska Trollers Association, the U.S. State Department has provided no assistance to resolve the boundary disputes that exist between Alaska and Canada."

The U.S. has had an agreement with Canada as to how to enforce laws in the disputed waters around Dixon Entrance, with each country enforcing its fishing rules on its own vessels. But in 1980 Canada took action against U.S. trollers operating in the disputed waters, claiming the agreement did not apply to nontraditional fisheries in the area.

"The only solution to the ongoing disputes over fishing rights, mineral rights, transportation rights, and other rights of Alaskans, Canadians, and the Federal government is the establishment of a maritime boundary," Coghill said. "This resolution asks for the process to begin and for Alaska to have a seat at the negotiating table so that Alaska's sovereignty, territory, jurisdiction, and property rights are protected."

HJR 26 passed 35-0 and now moves to the Senate.

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= John Coghill, Jr., 66 K