Originally Posted By: Smalma
In WFC' suit they claimed that recent average steelhead numbers across Puget sound are approximately 3% of what they were in 1900.

Any review of the available data clearly indicates that big players in that decline has been habitat loss (including hydro power impacts) and declining marine survival. In fact those two account for virtually all of that loss. NMFS at the time of the ESA listing indicated that harvest was not a significant problem. With the sweeping changes in hatchery practice over the last 30 years even hatchery/wild interactions over all have been reduced to very levels.

If we are really concern about the future of Puget Sound steelhead we can continue to nibble around the edges of remaining hatchery and harvest issues which even if completely eliminated would mean almost nothing for the wild steelhead resource or we can step up the plate and attempt to address those things that are limiting our steelhead fishing and any potential opportunities to fish in the future.

Curt



Profound! Thank you.

And, (gasp), I have to agree with Todd on this one. Stopping hatchery plants would have little if any positive impact on wild fish populations in P.S. (based upon information I have read) and would effectively end sport fishing for steelhead. Once that stakeholder group moves on to other endeavors good luck in generating the necessary interest/support to fix the real problems.
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