If economic impact per fish is a driver in decision making, why is there a non-tribal commercial fishery at all? Granted, a number of commercial fisherfolks are poorly prepared for other employment; taxpayers are going to subsidize them, one way or another. You might be surprised how much the average bankie spends to catch a jack that has made it through the nets. Ask any fisherperson who launches their boat in the Chehalis how much each of their fish is contributing to this state's economy. They will need a calculator and a considerable amount of time to come up with the amount.

In the 70s, a very successful lobbyist, who happened to be an avid sportsfisher and a part time commercial fisher, shared details with me on how the WA commercial fishing industry, the WA legislature, and the Dept. of Fisheries conducted their "circle jerk". Three decades later, it doesn't seem like much has changed.