I never could understand why folks have a problem understanding the notion of traditional ways. It really doesn't mean using traditional methods; nor should it.

When I was working in fisheries management,I had lots of opportunities to work with commercial fishermen. I've heard some of these folks talk of being 5 generations commercial fishermen and the traditions that it invokes in their families and lives; these people would do nothing else. But they don't launch 16 ft dingys with a handline and a stout pair of gloves and gut check halibut to their boats. Great grand dad may have done it that way, but not current generations. The tradition is in what they do for a living, not doing things in the old ways. Same goes for the Indians.

Every four years (or is it 2?) the whole world watches the Olympics. But is it the same few track and field events held in the amphitheaters of Greece with a handful of Roman Empire States participating? No, its baseball, basketball, skiing, etc--and the whole world enjoying an ancient tradition started in the Mediterranean. Everybody values traditions, but it doesn't mean going about it in some outdated obsolete way.

I don't think Federal policy regarding Treaty Fishing Rights is at all aligned with current efforts toward restoring depressed salmon stocks and ESA. I also don't think present allocations follow what is stipulated in the Boldt decision (50/50). Something needs to be done to curb excessive netting of depressed stocks and allow equitable partitioning of hatchery stocks.

But the Indians are really acting like any of us. We fish the seasons that are open, loggers log the forests that they are allowed too, developers build where ever they can get permits to build. No use getting pissed off at those making a living, or define "Usual and Accustomed Fishing Areas" by a definition that doesn't hold water.

We all would do best to target the Feds and their apparent inconsistent policies regarding Tribal fisheries, recreational fisheries, and stock restoration.



[This message has been edited by obsessed (edited 08-22-2000).]