To get into the wayback machine, back in the 90s I believe that WDFW began cutting hatchery coho production in an attempt to influence the Canadians. They were/are hammering our fish so the thought was if we give them fewer fish they might negotiate a "better" (Make Washington Great Again) deal. Instead, they kept taking their PST share; which hammered wilds more.

In my limited experience, as I was rarely involved in any sort of budget stuff, shifts if monies are to send messages and not due to a real "lack". Eventually, they are due to lack of funds but most often they are either a political jab at somebody or "we don't want you there anymore" sort of thing.