") Spring Chinook -
I agree whole heartly that seal and sea lion predation and robbing of gear is a significant issue that needs to be addresses and those mortalities included in the overall ESA impacts. Without a doubt those critters rob the gill nets just as they do the fish caught on hook and line. Does anyone really think that given how smart and adaptable the seals and sea lions have proven to be that they will not quickly learn to take advantage of the seines? The degree that seal and sea lion gear robbing with be reduced with the use of seines is an unknown and benefits may only be short term."



I worked on the NOAA Sealion Study last year 2- 6 hour openers aren't even worth bringing into the arguement, and it's just making the assumption that if the nets aren't there the sealions would stop eating..
_________________________


There's a sucker born every minute