Rivrguy-
Thanks for the update on the WB chinook brood stock goals!

With a goal of 8.7 million fry release I would think the hatcheries would have to take at least 9.5 millions to assure meeting that goal. According to the mid-October WDFW hatchery report the combined egg take for the WB hatcheries was sitting at 4.2 million eggs (from a spawn of 2,857 fish) with enough brood fish on hand to maybe raise the total take to 5 million. At this time of year rack returns should be largely competed (maybe 90% to the hatchery). In short it is looking likely that egg take needs will not be met.

Wonder what WDFW will do if they don't have the eggs for that orca production increase? Return the ear marked funds to the general fund?

Speaking of a Willapa Bay problem according that that hatchery escapement report there has been more than adequate numbers of
Chinook returning to the hatcheries to meet these increase production goals. However of those returning fish the report says that there has been a hatchery mortality of approximately 1,800 fish and another 2,769 fish have been surplused.

Curt