The back and forth debate above partially illustrates Alaska's coming of age in natural resource conservation. Oh, the state has done fairly well in conserving fish stocks from depletion, but by coming of age I'm referring to having to grapple with making the conservation decisions about "highest and best use." When resources are plentiful, then any and all uses can be supported and sustained. As resources become less plentiful, or scarce as in the case of the lower 48, policy makers have to deal with the social and economic values of allocating public resources between user groups, like recreational and commercial fishing. Good posts from JoJo and David. Thanks for the insight.

Sg