Washington Trout Action Alert :
Protect ESA Listings for Wild Fish; Attend Public Hearing Oct 5 in Seattle

NOAA Fisheries is holding a Public Hearing on Oct. 5 in Seattle regarding a Bush Administration proposal to count hatchery fish with wild salmon and steelhead in determining the health of individual wild stocks in federal ESA-listing decisions. This irresponsible proposal is arguably the biggest threat currently facing wild salmon and steelhead populations in the Northwest. If the proposal is approved, it could result in the early and inappropriate removal of ESA protections from declining wild-fish populations and their habitats. The proposal is opposed by regional scientists, wild-fish advocates, environmentalists, community leaders, policy makers, and members of Congress.

NOAA Fisheries is holding Public Hearings throughout the region, where the public can offer input about the proposal. The Seattle hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 5. Washington Trout urges its members, supporters, and anyone concerned with the future of the Northwest's wild-fish resources to turn out for this critically important hearing; let NOAA know that you oppose this risky and irresponsible proposal, that wild salmon, steelhead, and their habitats need continued protection, that hatchery fish can NEVER replace wild salmon and steelhead, and that concrete raceways are NOT habitat!

The foundation of this proposal, that hatchery salmon are capable of contributing to the recovery of ESA- listed wild populations, is completely unproven. Hatchery fish threaten the long-term viability of wild salmon and steelhead populations by decreasing the genetic fitness of wild populations, competing for food and habitat, spreading disease, and promoting increased predation. Hatchery runs create harvest pressures that declining wild runs cannot support. Even if hatchery salmon were not an actual threat to wild fish, the statutory mission of the ESA is to recover naturally reproducing populations by preserving and restoring the natural ecosystems they depend on, not mass-producing artificial facsimiles.

Make sure to attend the hearing on Tuesday October 5th at 6:30 pm at the Radisson Hotel (Sea Tac Airport) 17001 Pacific Hwy South, Seattle.

To find out more about the policy, the science of salmon, and what you can do to help, visit the Washington Trout website, http://www.washingtontrout.org, for important information and links.

Ramon Vanden Brulle
Washington Trout