I don't see why the state can't craft fisheries that take only the NI 50% and meet ESA guidelines; they use the same models. The tribes may not "like" it, but if the state meets the treaty mandated sharing then what beef do they have?

I know that the state is often put in the position of not forcing the tribes to deal with each other. The Makah overage on Chinook was ultimately borne by the NI side.

I think that is what NOAA fears. If WDFW crafts a 50% sharing and complies with ESA law then that should get approved. Even if, internally, the tribes can't agree on how to share their 50% because it isn't enough.