Navy, Suquamish Tribe deal addresses fishing rights impact from dry dock project

The Navy and the Suquamish Tribe have signed an agreement aimed at mitigating impacts from a dry dock project at Sinclair Inlet on the tribe’s treaty-reserved fishing rights. The Navy’s 12-year plan could limit access to portions of Sinclair Inlet during construction, and the agreement calls for Navy funding to compensate tribal fishers and members for lost access for fishing and cultural purposes. Additional Navy support includes improvements at the Gorst Creek Salmon Facility, funding for a shellfish hatchery, and assistance in reacquiring fractionated trust allotments at Doe-Keg-Wats. The dry dock is part of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), intended for repairs supporting Ford-class and Nimitz-class carriers and other ships. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2028. The agreement was signed June 27 in a ceremony at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort.