There are lots of cons, but I believe most are outwighed by the pros if we get cooperation to make the programs work ...

some examples:

increased return = increased netting

wild fish killed to make almost wild fish

fish must be killed according to WDFW to test for diseases

hens must be killed to get more than 50% of eggs

people see the clip and consider them hatchery fish even if it's ventral and you're directly sacrificing wild fish to support hatchery harvest

Biggest WDFW problem in my eyes: if hatchery fish are needed (in a perfect world we would not need broodstocking), someone else does things better ...

I know a hatchery worker 'somewhere in the state' actually asked to mix in local stock and was told he'd be looking for a new job if he did ...

State needs to do something though ... way too much inbreeding in current programs!

Much as all other aspects of our fishing world, education and cooperation are key in making the brood programs work!

PS ... That was one of my old boats.