Milt,

Don't overlook the essential part of Ricker science applied to Gray's Harbor: MSH - S.

If WDFW actually applies the Tier model and escapement goals, and doesn't lowball respective Chehalis and Humptulips harvest rates by sub-area of either the recreational or commercial fleets, then the basin could successfully be managed for its impressive natural production potential unless the QIN elects not to, of course.

I know it wouldn't be popular considering the cutbacks at Stevens Ck hatchery, but I think a logical case could be made to eliminate hatchery salmon production in the GH basin, retire the NT gillnet fleet, and live with the natural ebb and flow of natural chinook, coho, and chum salmon production. It's a very large basin with a lot of natural production potential that isn't being used. The main reason it isn't being used appears to be systematic over-harvest of wild salmon.

Sg