Well, here we go again.
I dont want to be sending anyone spinning out of control unnecessarily, but has anyone considered the fact the Quinault do operate a hatchery and at least make an effort to sustain their own fisheries???
I dont know all the details about the fiscal side of the operation, but it seems at least they are somehow more entitled to harvest what they want. I dont believe they do a lot of fin clipping, so are you absolutely certain it's a wild fish?? There are other tribes as well, with hatcheries in operation, and I believe their right to harvest fish in their usual and accustomed locations and methods is better supported than those who dont. Dont misunderstand me, I still have a problem with non-selective totally lethal fishing methods.(Gillnets)
I'd be right with you, if the fish in question had been from the Quilleute, Chehalis, or the Cowlitz system.
Another couple of points to ponder. From all outward appearances, the Quinault seem to do a better job with their fishery program than the State. It may eventually work out that the state has to look to the Quinault for surplus eggs and milt to mitigate the genetic depletion of their own broodstock.
Although it's nice to think of a fish like that returning to the gene pool, other considerations are in effect as well. The tribe doesnt maintain their fishery for aesthetic reasons. Consider their rights as well as your own.
'Nuff said for now.