Originally Posted By: RUNnGUN
Originally Posted By: Larry B
Originally Posted By: RUNnGUN
Correct me me if I'm wrong cause I speed read most comments but, I have read no comment about the current budget funding and future funding for increased Chinook production to save the Ocas. Sounds like this legislation would have zero affect on production as long as the Governor is on board and the Orcas are in trouble. Sounds like the outfall of the "remove the nets and decreased production will follow" argument is moot. Starting now in the budget, millions more Chinook are being produced and will be be for the foreseeable future regardless of any laws banning nets and ESA restrictions.


Your analysis fails to include the Feds who hold the ultimate authority vis a vis those pesky ESA restrictions. But for them this would be an easy path to more production.


You mean the Feds could stop the mega production of Chinook in PS to save the Orcas? I think our almighty Gov. and tribes might not take kindly to that. Would be an interesting fight.


Yes, that is exactly the concern! I have written to that exact conflict in the past. NOAA/NMFS has obligations to protect and recover ESA listed species and has already established a position of minimizing the intrusion of hatchery Chinook genes into ESA listed "wild" genes.

Now the crisis of ESA listed SRKW. As I understand it approximately 80% of P.S. Chinook are of hatchery origin and those hatchery fish are critical to the stabilizing of the SRKW population and an increase is deemed necessary to recover them.

That necessary increase in adult returns can be met by increasing production and reducing competitive predation. What won't produce anywhere near the necessary numbers is an elimination of recreational fishing in parts of WA waters. The numbers are simply not there.

So that leaves us with increasing hatchery production which potentially runs into conflict with protection of ESA listed Chinook (a NOAA/NMFS mandate) and reduction of predation (pinnipeds) which runs headlong into the MMPA also administered by NOAA/NMFS.

Orcas? Puget Sound Chinook?? Pinnipeds???

That takes us back to your assessment. It will be an interesting shake-out but have you noticed who has been absent from the public discusson? NOAA's Regional Director Mr. Thom.
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