Here's another perspective to consider. Hoodsport hatchery is supported with state funds. It would be a stretch to say it is operated to mitigate for the loss of natural chum runs in the canal. Heck, it has contributed to overfishing natural chum runs with the mixed stock fishing formerly allowed.

The state has a budget crisis of sorts. WDFW and other agencies have been forced to identify steep budget reductions. Just a thought, but why support a hatchery operation to produce a glut of chum, only to have them wasted in violation of state law? (Not intending to be anti-Indian fishing, but state law does not permit non-treaty commercial or recreational fishermen to waste salmon - like by taking only the eggs and not the carcass. This law does not apply to treaty Indians.)

Maybe it would be wiser to spend state funds on a reduced Hoodsport program, commensurate with the benefits actually received. The recreational fishery is probably the biggest return on investment, since the measure is angler days rather than the value of the salmon caught. Whatever the chum contribution is to the non-treaty commercial fishery can't be much, as described by the ex-vessel prices described in other posts. Although non-treaty commercials are required to sell the entire salmon, the buyers are likely only to be wanting the eggs, same as from the Indians.

If the mass wastage is not in the public interest, violates state law, then why not scale back the production to a level that better meets the actual benefits realized? Why produce for a non-treaty commercial fishery at all? Produce for the recreational fishery times two, to include a necessary treaty fishery share.

My random thought.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.