I don't think population reduction is necessary -- just a major change in how we live. Nobody, least of all the federal government, dares to say this, but everyone involved knows it's true. There is a big effort right now to take down the Snake River dams to help produce more and better Chinook salmon for whales. Are the sport fishermen, commercial fishermen, or the tribes supporting this? Why was a new car dealership just allowed to be built in the Stillaguamsh. It seems that habitat loss and degradation continues without opposition from any fishing groups. I wish that WFC would ask for a moratorium on development, rather than on hatcheries, until there is a real commitment to salmon and steelhead recovery. And, I wish that fishing groups would demand the same.
Back in 2014 when WFC was invited to testify in front of the Senate NR committee, they made it very clear that they believe the habitat is fine. Although I share your same desire for what WFC could be doing to actually make a difference, they don't see development or habitat quality as a limiting factor.
All they really want is a complete cessation of hatchery production in the PNW; people who aren't on board with their idealism need to start accepting this reality.