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 The court also held that its decision superseded state law, and that Washington's Game and Fisheries Department may be required to make laws upholding the ruling. The decision was 6–3 in favor of Washington. John Paul Stevens wrote the majority opinion. Philip Lacovara defended the Non-Indian Fishermen Association in the case. History Treaties In 1853, General Isaac Stevens was appointed governor of Washington Territory. In his first few years, he negotiated multiple treaties with Washington's Indians tribes. Much of the language in the treaties was not fully understood by the tribes and resulted in tribes losing a lot of their land. United States v. Winans Importantly the treaties allowed Indians to continue fishing at "all usual and accustomed grounds ... in common with all citizens of the Territory." At the time it was expected that fish would be a limitless resource. This clause was used to support Indians fish rights in 1905. In United States v. Winans, a fish wheel was built to collect fish located in Yakima Territory. It collected all fish in the run, preventing the Yakima from collecting any. The court decided that the usual and accustomed places clause protected both fishing grounds and fish supply. Fish Wars and Boldt Decision Over the next 50 years the salmon populations were depleted. In the 1960s and 70s, Indians were targeted and arrested for fishing. In response, many Indians started protesting by fishing on rivers. Tensions flared until it was brought before the district court. As a result of this, the US brought suit against Washington in support of the Indian's right to fish. The usual and accustomed grounds clause was used to support the right. Four interpretations arose from the following legal battles. The Game Department argued this only allowed access to fishing grounds and exemptions from license fees. The Fisheries Department argued this allowed a