If habitat is the big problem then the odd-even smolt number differential for Skagit coho and Keogh steelhead would not be occurring. The increasing harvest of coho coming from pristine creeks in Alaska as pink escapement icreases would not be occurring.

Carrying capacity, at least as defined by Chapman and others back in the 60s and 70s, was determined by the non-living habitat (water, gravel, LWD, etc.) AND food. Since the food, in most northern Pacific watersheds, is derived from the ocean and transported to the watersheds by anadromous fish one of the major controllers of smolt numbers today is the lack of food. Want more coho smolts? Leave the pinks and chums alone. Steelhead are a little trickier as those in the upper watersheds need coho.

By all means, I don't want to suggest that the habitat is good or doesn't need fixing. But, as Alaska studies are showing, pristine habitat with little escapment gives about 15% of the harvest possible if more fish are allowed to spawn.