CFM,

Huh? Maybe you're working too hard on the trees? I used "we" in a generic sense. WDFW is generally the management agency, especially for steelhead as referred to in this example. NMFS doesn't have anything to do with steelhead or salmon punchcards as far as I know. To the extent NMFS uses catch data, it comes from whatever source can provide it. That is almost always WDFW or ODFW as far as I know. Exceptions might be some of the Alaskan fisheries, but even that data probably originates with ADF&G. I don't think NMFS tells the agencies how to collect their data. I think there is probably a delicate line or balance between state sovereignty and federal oversight, but this is far from my expertise to report on. So I guess the answer is no, NMFS doesn't make the state conduct creel surveys, nor approve the statistical design of those it conducts. I'm not sure the point of your question, but, personally, I don't have enough information to know if NMFS is just like every other bureaucratic agency.

RA3,

Rather than implie or allege that WDFW is incompetent, making up data, or lying, why not call them up and ask for an explanation for such an extreme discrepancy. There's usually a reason.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.