Ralph -
Those Elwha fish will be harvested (impacted by fishing) and likely at rates similar to what we currently are seeing. If I recall correctly recent fishing impact rates have been something in the 30% range (down from those seen in the 1980s and 1990s but up from earlier in this decade)

The reality is that bulk of the harvest (75%) happens outside of Washington waters in Alaska and BC. Most of the rest is here in Washington in various marine water sport fisheries. Those fisheries are all mixed stock fisheries. It is only the Washington fisheries that are currently limited by weak stock management (over all fishing limited by what the impact limits on the weakest stock). In theory if the Elwha Chinook were managed as two stocks (wild and hatchery) the wild stock might be the Washington marine water limiting stock. However it is probable (at least in the short term) the hatchery and wild stocks would be managed as one stock (at least as far as escapement is concern).

It could get more interesting down road as the Chinook become more established in the watershed above the current dam sites as at least far as the Washington fishing goes.

Does any recall whether the plant is to mass mark the Elwha hatchery releases?

Tight lines
Curt