Confirmation bias is all too common in science, which is where people accept information that supports their beliefs, and reject information that conflicts with their beliefs. Those who are affiliated with the decisons about fish management or fish consumption are particularly vulnerable.

This publication provides some unique information that might help people figure out how to recover steelhead. Anyone who knows Tom Quinn knows he is all about producing good science and using it to improve fish management. His students are held to that same standard. I have worked on this study, indirectly. The information contained in the publication should be considered in the broader body of science, and not dismissed merely because it conflicts with beliefs or agendas. Anyone who outright rejects the potential for hatchery management to be detrimental to wild populations should seriously consider whether they have a truly objective view on this issue. Please read the paper before rejecting the findings.