I also remember being told and reading, though I can't site the source, that there have been successful programs that delayed release of Chinook in the South Sound resulting in blackmouth that stayed year round. I have enjoyed some trophy 15-20lb blackmouth caught in mid winter over the years that I attributed to this kind of program. I also have noticed the reduced number of blackmouth since these pens projects were cut, and am very worried about the future of our Central Sound blackmouth with the closing of the MacAllistar Creek hatchery. My understanding is that this was due to budget concerns. If this is the only reason and the hatchery doesn't negatively affect natural runs, I want my tax money to put it back on line.

My earlier post regarding triploids in the Sound was with the idea that if hatchery fish spawning do cause DNA harm, then the non reproductive ability of these fish could provide sport opportunity without damage to the natural runs. Why wouldn't sport fishers support this idea?