Dan,
I sure don't want anyone to think that I am leading them into killing wild fish, but I also believe that we can have our cake and eat it to!

I believe that CNR can harvest can work together. I know that you are a long time CNR advocate so don't take my comments to personal.

You make some very well stated point. But is it science, or is your personal passion for wild steelhead that makes you think this way?

Like it or not, people are a huge part of the echo-system just like steelhead are. What science tells you that "If the run size exceeds the maximum carrying capacity of the system, then natural forces will dictate how many fish migrate out and return"? Is not man one of those "natural forces"? Isn't conservation a man made force also?

We are finally getting down to debating the true issues between CNR and harvest! It's hard for some people to swallow, but many fishermen believe that steelhead and salmon will be on this earth long after mankind has gone! In my mind, there is no question that we are part of that equation, I just don't know what part of the equation we play when it comes to wild steelhead management. That's why I, for one, want to see the science behind these opinions, instead of just the passion, or emotion. I am not saying that your reply is all emotion or passion, but there appears to be a tint bit of it there.

I have worked with many biologists over the last 15 years and have found that many are full of BS! That is pretty much true about all professions. Just like you, I don't agree that we should go out and "kill" our half. But there is some logic in Ac's posting. One could certainly make the case that if wild fish got harvested, the Indians share would get so small that they too would have to change there own ways management or they too would have no fish just like everyone else. I am not saying that is the right thing to do, but I can sure understand why they may think that way. Sometimes things just have to get really bad before they get turned around (and I was the one who said "let's leave the Indians out of this issue").

One last thing, you said "We have shown our inability to forecast runs sizes an survivability rates numerous times" That is true, but as humans, we also have learned how not to make the same mistakes twice. They said we would never put a man on the moon, but they were wrong weren't they, and that wasn't that long ago. I am not saying that we should kill or harvest all wild fish, but I am saying that we need to look at, and understand every body else's point of view. After all, the recourses belong to everyone, not just to us, so everyone should have the same opportunity to voice there own preference about wild steelhead.

Cowlitzfisherman

Is the taste of the bait worth the sting of the hook????