Smalma

The strategy we are discussing was NOT what was asked in the poll. I chose the poll question rather carefully, knowing that there was probably widespread opposition to MSY.

I don't think ANYONE needs to change their vote... MSY has had ample opportunity to prove itself, and now it's time for it to go. It may have been a great concept on paper and Ricker was certainly a genius to figure out all of the subtle nuances of maximizing yield.... BUT.... in real-life application, the only thing it has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt is that salmon can be maximally harvested toward extinction!

I thought this was a pretty interesting quote from 1977:

Quote:

Obituary for MSY, 1930's-1970's

Here lies the concept MSY.
It advocated yields too high,
and didn't spell out how to slice the pie.
We bury it with the best of wishes,
especially on behalf of fishes.
We don't know yet what will take its place,
but hope it's as good for the human race.

Peter Larkin 1977
Like you said, it's tougher to come up with a palatable alternative that allows us to keep fishing and yet promote genuine wild fish recovery. Nearly 30 years have gone by since that quote, and we're still groping for a solution.
_________________________
"Let every angler who loves to fish think what it would mean to him to find the fish were gone." (Zane Grey)

"If you don't kill them, they will spawn." (Carcassman)


The Keen Eye MD
Long Live the Kings!