PORT ANGELES -- Bern Shanks, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, today submitted his resignation to the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The resignation is effective Sept. 11. While retaining the title of director, Shanks agreed to delegate his duties and powers to the deputy director.

The commissioners said Larry Peck, the current deputy director, is expected to continue in that role.

During the next three months Shanks will prepare an analysis of options for long-term funding options for the department.

Shanks agreed in his letter of resignation that he would not sue the department or the state or participate in legal actions filed by third parties in reference to his employment.

The commission agreed both parties would draft a letter of reference to be used when potential future employers consider employing Shanks.

Statement from the Fish and Wildlife Commission:
We thank Dr. Shanks for stepping into a difficult situation, for embracing our vision and getting the Department of Fish and wildlife headed in the direction we requested.

He was the person we needed at the time.

We told Dr. Shanks his first day on the job that a wild salmon policy was years overdue and within 30 days he had a scientifically defensible draft that got us started where we needed to be.

In no way has the vision, policy direction or conservation emphasis of this commission changed today.

The Commission and department have many challenges ahead. It's time we move forward to focus on the resource and the business operations of the agency.

Statement from Bern Shanks:
Two years ago I was hired for my conservation and environmental leadership.

I was to put the resource first, and I've done that.

I was expected to develop a conservative, science-based wild salmon policy. The state now has the premier policy anywhere in the world.

I was to rebuild the trust and support of user groups who have traditionally supported fish and wildlife conservation. I've done that.

I was to focus attention on habitat and department lands, and we have a stronger program now in Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife has a critical role to play in the next few years to maintain the quality of life so many Washingtonians love. This department must develop programs and long-term funding beyond the typical sports men and women if it is to be a leader in the future of fish and wildlife. Sports men and women cannot continue to be expected to pay the majority of program costs given the magnitude of the problems ahead.

It has been a pleasure to work with many of the conservation groups who are willing to work hard and sacrifice for Washington's future. I look forward to continuing my work with them on these important issues in the years ahead.

In other business, the commission:

• Directed WDFW to prepare a letter to Congress supporting proposed changes to federal law that would allow the state and federal agencies to move more quickly to manage California sea lion and Pacific harbor seal populations. The recommended changes would allow the agencies to kill marine mammals that threaten fish stocks in poor condition or conflict with human activities