Like all initiatives, some people will like them and some will hate them! This initiative would be no different then the ones of the pass in that sense. But this initiative would be different, because it has sound footing, and it's has a foundation that can be based on facts and not just emotion. For example, it can be shown that sport caught salmon brings in far more money to the local economies then do that of what a commercial caught fish brings in.

Why not allow the people of our state to decide if they want salmon to be declared a "sport fish"? There is no "fight" to get into with the commercials; the people will just be given a choice that they were never given before! Its real simple economics, which harvest of salmon generates the most revenue and creates the most economic value, with doing the less harm or damage to all the other listed species. How are the Commercials going to counter the facts?

Some may still think, and make claim, that our resources can still withstand the "damages" that are being done though a "commercial fishery", but history has shown us otherwise! Can any of you name one specie of fish (salmon) that is native to the Columbia River that has been "commercially fished" that isn't at or near the brink of being listed under the Endangered Specie Act (ESA)? I think every logical person on this board knows that once a species is harvested "commercially" and is left to reproduce on its own; its days are soon to be numbered!

Personally, I think a lot of people are quickly getting very worried, and concerned, that this simple initiative may take off like a flash of lighting! It's so simple, and yet it's so deadly….to the end the continued indiscriminate taking of other species on places such as the Columbia River! Salmo G is 100% correct! I believe the majority of people in Washington would support it in a heart beat! People are finally becoming realistic, and fully understanding that our salmon runs can no longer continue to take or withstand the gurgling effects of the commercial gill net fishery, and are realizing that's its one of our leading causes and contributors to the "continued loss" and decline of our salmon runs, especially in places like the Columbia River.

Do some of you really believe that the commercial fishermen "wouldn't sell out the sport the fishermen" interests in a heart beat, if they knew they could make more of a profit by doing so? Personally, I think its way past time to get out of the same bed! It's time to tell the public that we do not "share the same interests", even those we must both share the same species. We are as different as day is to night, and I for one, am not afraid to say so. It's time that we draw the line between the two fishing groups and define our real differences and interests.

It's kind of like comparing a painter's "art work" to that of a street gangs "art work" on an alley wall!. . . .they are both "art", and they are both done with paint. . . but they are both done for different reasons and purposes.

Salmo has stated the facts very well!


Cowlitzfisherman