I'm new to this board after following it for some time. This topic seems to have run it's course but before it goes away I have one question that seems to be missing in this discussion.

No one can dispute that our runs (both hatchery and wild) have been declining. Over that time there have been some minor adjustments to harvest policy but overall harvest (both sportfishing and commercial) has remained unchanged. The only expection seems to commercial netting (both tribal and non-tribal). What used to be a couple days a week now ends up being 5-7 days a week. The Boldt decision basically divided the harvest 50-50 between tribal and non-tribal, something we've had to live with like it or not.

Now for the question. Who is doing the counting to ensure that counts are equitable? I've had many streamside discussions with fellow fisherman and with some minor exceptions they agree that the netting schedule takes a far greater number of fish than the sportsman catch. In reality the current system begs for all sides to cheat, especially the tribal netters. The rational being that if you don't get your share someone else will. The additional problem with the tribal netting is they are on the honor system and WDFW can do little to stop them because they little control on how often they can net. Correct me if this is incorrect but tribal netting schedules are set up prior to the season with little regard made to the size of the particular run. Also netting in the lower areas of the river they have their shot at the fish before anyone else.

If we are going to do anything to change the current system all parties are going to have to give an honest account of how many fish are being caught. Otherwise at the present rate it's only the mater of another decade and there won't be any fish to fight over. We need an ongoing and healthy discussion on this or it will become a mute point down the road.