Heres my reply to backbouncer1.
Iam a commercial fisherman in alaska and russia. We do not harvest salmon or steelhead but I think my explaination might clear some things up with you and others, maybe. Bottom line on this whole Endanger Species act is a joke. Because it excludes a lot of commercial fleets that fish here and in alaska and abroad. I have posted befor what some of the trawlers are capable of doing that would make the indians net a joke but i wont get in to that again. You have to realize that the ESA(endangered species act) was supported by most of the large commercial fleets that are based here in washington.And also many of the commercial fishermen have helped passed that law in a different way . Reason for that is it benifits the commercial industry in more ways then you will know. What you dont know is that the NMFS and NOAA have heavily monitered the commercial industry in alaska, as best as they can which isn't always the best. With the threat of the commercial industry being shut down and more regulations passed signing and agreeing to the ESA actually was a help in a sense it kept the trawlers and seiner etc. in bussiness. it goes a lot deeper then what you see on the surface. Basically it is a way to help the endangerd species and that includes the commercial fleets. Dick in a sense is also right that there is nothing you can do.
Example was i696, sorry to say it will never pass in this state as long money talks. I heard on this board at one time how that i696 should pass and that the economy will not be hurt because sportfishermen bring in more money(tourism,guides,equipment, etc.)then commercial any way, I forgot who said this but show me proof, Lets talk straight facts not something we think. I can show you a sample breakdown of what a fishing company will produce for the economy here in wa. ak. or. id. and ca. I know how frustrating it is to be on a river and not be able to catch fish due to low returns . There are souloutions to this but there has to be cooperation among sport fishermen/women. yet to be seen. Also NSIA may be powerful but I see it as a little pup in a wolf pack. my opinion. You see , every one here appeals to sport fishermen/women to help pass these laws and to bitch and moan and throw good ideas, why not appeal to the moral majority. everybody. Dont wine rather explain and throw out facts and good ideas not anger and heat of the moment crap that no one believes.
look at bob here he appeals to all of his clients and he is very popular on this web(granted its his) he gets hes messege in a way every one agrees to and people defend him when one attacks him, you need to be able to do that to the general public before you can get support for your causes and mine and everybody elses.