Add a bit more here

Lets do it this way with Chinook as the main discussion and Coho in the mix. If you utilize 100% ( ideal ) natural brood down to 30% ( minimum ) in the hatchery population, spawn one to one or three on three, do not alter the life cycle but mirror the natural processes ( as in raising Chinook past Zero's to yearlings is not natural in most stocks ), and utilize descent rearing vessels, what have you done to alter the genetics of the fish? Nothing at all BUT yes you have and not by rearing the fish in the hatchery ponds. In the last 30 years the feeds and knowledge of how to rear fish has drastically expanded AND REDUCED moralities. So when someone says that what makes a good hatchery fish is not the same as what makes a good natural spawner not so much. In fact if you do what is outlined above not much variation at all. Behaviorally yes, genetically NOPE.

How's the blood pressure guys? Hey now put those buggy eyes back in the sockets! So hatcheries do not effect genetics, right? Wrong, oh yes they do. What hatcheries do if run correctly ( big if here ) is THEY REMOVE NATURAL SELECTION. Mother nature is a tough bitch and the weak, stupid, slow, lazy they are food for something. Nature only allows the strongest to survive and a hatchery gives everyone a break. That is the weakness in hatcheries, they simply coddle the creature and nature DOES NOT.

But as I posted above it must be viewed in a historical context. Through harvest, forest land environmental alteration, and urbanization the Chinook of today is a remnant population that has been altered to such a extent that it has little genetically in common with its ancestors.

Interesting problem don't ya think. How do you save whatever is left and still eat em. Study that a bit!