OK...I understand what you are saying. My problem is that I remember what the PS streams were like before the over harvest. So what you are saying that while the overharvest was occurring so also was the decline of habitat and now we are left with no fish and no habitat. True??
Jim
I'm no biologist, but I do have friends that are. In discussions with them here is some of the info I've learned!
Think about this, wild steelhead smolt need to be in natal streams for like 2 years. If there isn't suitable habitate for a 2 year old trout, then the wild fish don't have a chance.
Case in point, look at all of the diking/development along the Snohomish, Puyallup, and Green rivers. In the past it was near major port waterways, but at this point due to encroachment, riprap and dikes are built a considerable way up the river system. In one case the Green river has an extensive canyon system and protection towards the head waters due to the Tacoma city water supply. Is it any wonder that it's in reasonable shape compared to the other rivers?
As an analog look a the Skagit. Same ocean conditions as the other PS rivers, but due to having reasonable habitat, it's in a steady state of population...
Now in some cases it appears that the overharvest has caused nearly irreversable affects. Some Hood canal rivers have good habitat as it's protected by the NP, but have *dick* for fish. The Hamma Hamma, Duckabush, and Dosewolips are prime examples where habitiat may not be the limiting reagent.
Previous Topic
Index
