Thanks, Curt, your insights are astute and your information is copious, as usual.

I think I was a bit too defensive on a few points. Just let me repeat that I really do lurk here because there is good information, and that your information does enter into management. And believe it or not, many WDFW employees do the same. So thanks to all of you for the feedback on what's happening in the river.

You know, it is sometimes difficult to deal with the pressures to keep fisheries open that come form the fleets, but us resource managers are sometimes successful at doing that. And sometimes, more than you may think, the politicians, both state and tribal do back us up.

Finally, I am in fact both a biologist and a statistician. I guess that combination must be as bad as a lawyer, in some eyes, worse maybe. I won't try to defend my credibility or that of my colleagues. Most of us are happy to share all our information, hear your critiques and suggestions, and keep learning what we can. I don't appreciate the innuendos about our competence or honesty, but I am willing to stand on what we have accomplished rather than try to debate the issue. I certainly understand the frustrations of many in the fishing community, both sport and commercial, because I hear the complaints every day. That's why I and my colleagues always try to do the best we can for the resource and for our fishermen. Obviously we don't always get it right, but we always do our best.

I will be busy with meetings (ecosystem-based management related, if you must know) and family time over Thanksgiving, so I won't be checking in for awhile. But I wish everyone a good holiday.