Good point WC! If these fish are allowed to spawn naturally then it is a win/win situation BUT if they can continue with the wild broodstock program until the smolt can be released then I'm for that.
If these fish are wasted and not allowed to spawn while we wait for the other shoe to drop then that would be a crime!
I would just like assurances that the volunteer efforts will be enough.
To my way of thinking hatcheries have become a necessary "evil" so to speak to try to suppliment our shortsightedness of the past. POS is right is saying we need to rethink how we do things and quickly too. Alot sooner than most of us thought.
For me personally I can live with C&R because after all it's the fun of it right? However there are a lot of people that depend on those December/January hatchery runs for their very livelihood. I personally know a guide on the north coast that has a deep passion for wild fish but he makes a big percentage of living guiding for hatchery fish. Another friend in tillamook makes her living selling bait. I'm sure she will take a big hit too.
So therein lies the dilema. Tillamook county is going to be hit real hard! No if's ands or buts about it.It should be noted that the Fall chinook runs will be affected too.
If we are going to be fishing in the future for natives only then we better damn well get our [Bleeeeep!] together and do all we can to protect them.
This is no time for selfish agendas.