In a presentation WDFW staff made on Willapa they stated that commercial Salmon fishing is about .075 of the total value of aquatic managed resources. ( crab / shell fish ect ) In fact Willapa & Ilwaco are two of the top four for commercial landings but salmon is almost insignificant.

Additionally the recent rec seasons are around 4.25 million in economic value on 10% or less of the harvestable fish while the commercial salmon harvest is about 1.4 million on 90% plus of the harvestable. Economically the current WDF&W management in the Willapa Estuary is killing Pacific County economically. You only have to look South to a similar shallow water bay and that is Tillamook Bay. Recreational fishing is a major component of the tourism draw to that part of the Oregon coast.

If any of the naysayers hanging out in this thread do not believe the numbers e mail me and I will send you WDF&W's bloody presentation to the Pacific County Commissioners.