Yes they are mindboggling numbers, but thats also the problem, they shouldn't be. Somehow I just think if the feds/ BPA had a small fund set aside to retire these permits as they come up for sale and allow the fish to return to a point of origin fisheries program. Wouldn't have to be a gigantic buyout, just a small every year program that might cost a few million to let retiring fisherman out, what you don't want is young guys getting back in to mixed stock fisheries. The guy that takes the BPA money to the bank everymonth probaly has that much stuck under his seat cushions.