I was getting tired when I posted last night and I clearly missed a couple of points I wanted to make. I understand the concerns about closing all hatcheries, but I think we need to put things into perspective. If WT truly wants to close all hatcheries, I sincerely doubt they will ever have the political clout to make it happen (yes I know the initiative process is a wild card). Hatcheries and their associated fisheries bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars to our economy and many small communities rely on this influx of monies. Closing all hatcheries would have a dramatic impact on our economy and I seriously doubt any elected individual would want to be noted for making it happen. Personally, I think the issue detracts from the real important issue of, "how does the hatchery system really impact wild fish and does the hatchery system need to change?".

While I only reviewed a couple of the HGMP's, WT is right when they say that many of the answers are vague or incomplete. WT is also right when they say that impacts to wild fish aren't really quantified. The HGMP's state in many answers that hatcheries will be operated to minimize impacts to wild fish. Just what does that mean? Does it mean, instead of ultimately "taking" 10,000 wild fish they'll "take" 9,999? To me, these are the important issues that warrant much discussion and answers.

Ultimately the point I'd like to make is that we need to concentrate on what the real impacts to wild fish are. When we determine what the impacts are, then we can start the discussion about hatcheries changing or closing. Until then, I think we're putting the cart before the horse.

I've been involved in fish mangement in some way, shape, or form since the early 80's and I've seen a lot of issues come and go since then. It's always bothered me that when trying to solve problems, we get caught up in the emotional or sexy points and miss a lot of the details that we should be focusing on.

I know this looks like I'm picking on particular board members, but that isn't my intention. This just seemed like a good thread to interject some perspective that many folks don't have. Personally, I don't care if WT or Joe Blow down the street brings up good questions as long as we acknowledge the question and seek an answer.