RT,

I agree that there will be plenty of lobbying pressure to not list "abundant" hatchery fish that are part of a ESU. However, consider an analogy. Grey wolves are listed as threatened in the lower 48. But the wolves in zoos and certain preserves are not listed. Hatchery coho are like animals in the zoo, an artificial construct that would not and can not exist, absent the intervening hand of man. So it may be reasonable and possible to find a legal path through this conflict.

The new RA at NMFS, Lohn, may be even less enthusiastic about listing salmon than his predecessor. New listings are likely only as a result of losing in litigation. Score 1 for the forces of habitat degredation, thanks to judge Hogan.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.