This from a meeting of commissioners Wahkiakum County:

".. The other concern Martin raised included the difference in the ratio of kept fish between the commercial and recreational fishery. Martin indicated there are observers who look at each commercial catch. This does not happen for anglers. On average, the commercials kept 3.64 fish for every fish released. In contrast, the sports fishermen are averaging 6.24 kept fish for every one released. The ratio in Bonneville was 4.0, and in Idaho it was 4.1. It is possible the number of fish released could be dramatically under reported. Martin suggested that instead of catching the 19,000 fish they caught, the recreational fishery should have only been catching 11,000 to 12,000 fish. The agencies are trying to figure out a scientific reason for why there is a difference of almost double the amount of fish that are kept for every one released on the lower Columbia, in comparison to the commercial fisheries and the fisheries in Bonneville and Idaho.


Again, Martin asked the County Commissioner to work with other counties, ports, and communities who have been affected by this spring Chinook season on the lower Columbia.


Commissioner Cothren asked if Kent Martin has talked to Dino Rossi's office because he seems interested in this issue. Cothren recommended Martin talk to the Rossi campaign because the sports fishing lobbyists have contacted him and are lobbying him. Rossi's staff indicated that Cothren was the only person, to date, to contact them to discuss the importance of the commercial fishery. Rossi's campaign staff also suggested that the Fish and Wildlife Commission should have a member with a commercial fishing background. Martin indicated that if a member could be found who has no conflict of interest, it would be appropriate. Cothren indicated that Rossi was interested in meeting with the commercial fishery. Martin noted he would be gone from June 5 to July 24, but he was willing to talk to Rossi when he returns. See entire meeting minutes here

www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us/depts/bocc/documents/may20min2008.doc+dino+rossi+commercial+fishing&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us