Collection of catch and release data is used when seasons are set as a component of many factors used in the decision to set a certain quota. The act of catching and releasing has some sort of impact on fish. The percentage of fish that are mortally impacted is debatable but nonetheless their is an impact so they count. The quota is strictly retained fish so C&R numbers don't count in that tally. Most guys at WDFW that I have talked to hate the quota system because it is so unpredictable. The pressure on the fishery is sometimes unpredictable too. The sturgeon fishery in the Columbia has really taken off in popularity hence the early closures. Recent on the water reports from the Columbia near Astoria count as many as 4-500 boats...that is like a Buoy 10 crowd.. Add to that the gill net fisheries both tribal and non tribal and you have a scenario just like salmon...fish the crap out of the resource then close it and set shorter and shorter seasons in the future. There is just too much pressure on all of our fisheries in my opinion.