Pacific Salmon Treaty Act of 1985

(Measure passed House, amended)

Pacific Salmon Treaty Act of 1985 - Provides for the appointment of four U.S. Commissioners to the Pacific Salmon Commission established by the Pacific Salmon Treaty between the United States and Canada (the Treaty). Provides for the appointment of U.S. Panel members to the Southern, Northern, and Fraser River Panels established by the Treaty. Sets forth the voting requirements for U.S. Commissioners and members of the various Panels.

Authorizes the Secretary of State (the Secretary) to: (1) receive and transmit communications of and to the Commission and Panels; (2) in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, approve, disapprove, object to, or withdraw objections to fishery regimes and Fraser River Panel regulations proposed in accordance with the Treaty; and (3) act upon or refer to other appropriate authority any other communications of and to the Commission and Panels.

Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) arrange for cooperation in carrying out the Treaty with U.S. agencies, the States, treaty Indian tribes, private institutions and organizations; and (2) execute memoranda to reflect such agreements. Authorizes U.S. agencies to cooperate in scientific and other programs to assist the Commission and Panels in carrying out their responsibilities under the Treaty.

Provides for the preemption of State or treaty Indian tribe actions if such actions place the United States in jeopardy of not fulfilling its international obligations under the Treaty.

Sets forth the procedures for promulgating regulations to carry out the U.S. international obligations under the Treaty.

Makes it unlawful for any person or vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction to: (1) violate this Act, or any regulation adopted under this Act, or any Fraser River Panel regulation approved by the United States under the Treaty; (2) refuse to permit an authorized search or inspection of a fishing vessel under such person's control; (3) interfere with an authorized officer in the conduct of such a search or inspection; (4) resist a lawful arrest for any act prohibited by this Act; (5) ship, transport, offer for sale, sell, purchase, import, export, or have custody of any fish taken and retained in violation of this Act; or (6) interfere with the apprehension or arrest of another person knowing such person has violated this Act. Sets forth penalties for such violations.

Sets forth as the general standard for U.S. actions with respect to the Treaty that the U.S. actions shall: (1) consider the best scientific information available; (2) result in measures necessary and appropriate for the conservation and use of the Pacific salmon; and (3) be consistent with U.S. obligations under the Treaty, domestic Indian treaties, and other applicable law.

Requires the U.S. Commissioners and Panel members to appoint an advisory committee.

Sets forth general administrative provisions.

Authorizes appropriations.

Repeals the Sockeye Salmon or Pink Salmon Fishing Act of July 29, 1947, as amended. Directs the Secretary to dispose of any U.S. property held by the International Pacific Salmon Fisheries Commission.

Limits spending authority under this Act to amounts provided in advance in appropriation Acts.