Oregonian, the problem is that it has taken this long and FF's insight to maybe determine what you have been trying to discuss - if this can even be described as a discussion.

I can't speak for Oregon but I do know there has been an ongoing battle over MPAs in Oregon and that various sportfishing groups and individuals have been very active in that issue.

As for Washington, we (sport interests) established the current Commission via referendum with the goal of removing critical resource management issues from the (direct) political process.

We also have responded to legislative efforts during at least the last two legislative sessions to eliminate the Commission. Those efforts were initiated and pushed by commercial fishing interests among other commercial activities unhappy with decisions made by the Commission.

Within the last month the Commission has agreed to change its policy and prioritize recreational Dungeness crabbing in Puget Sound over non-tribal commercial harvesters. At the same time the Commission agreed to changes in seasonal rules that for the 2011 season will increase recreational seasons. INCREASE SEASONS!! This was accomplished through the combined efforts of several groups and many individuals who testified before the Commission. That testimony by the way, included facts as to the relative value of crab in the recreational fishery versus the commercial fishery. Had this not occurred the recreational fishery in Puget Sound would have been held to a rigid quota and due to increased participation there would have been further reductions in seasons and daily catch limits to ensure that the recreational catch stayed within that quota.

The crab issue is only one of those dealt with successfully in the last year or two and is probably the most important as it resulted in a change in policy regarding the relationship between sport and commercial harvesters.

So, in closing, your spoutings imply that there has been nothing tried and nothing accomplished. Obviously I disagree. I do acknowledge that more needs to be done and I fully anticipate that further changes will occur as sports groups become better organized and (for your benefit) politically savvy.