AM: I believe that a hatchery program could be beneficial in restoring wild runs. From what I hear that was the case on the OP summer run chums.

What I am concerned about is language in the NPR that clearly says they will be able to count hatchery fish when determining weather or not the wild run needs protection.

It may be that the wording simply needs tightening to explain that this will only be done when the hatchery program is operated to help restore the wild runs. But as it now read they can simply declare a run healthy if there are lots of hatchery-raised fish in the system. If we use that standard damn few runs will be in need of protection.

Yes, I know we have a letter from NOAA that says that is not their intent. But the new rule certainly gives them that choice. Do you trust current and future NOAA administrators to protect wild fish with such permissive regulations on the books?

Remember these rules came about as a result of a lawsuit brought by a consortium of loggers, cattlemen, land developers and attorneys. Do you think they want to protect our wild fish?