Let's review what we know. Given recent lack of transparency in manage actions the last several years we are not likely to know the answers to those questions for sometime.
However perhaps the larger concerning issue is that closing game fish seasons on the Nisqually due to the lack of harvestable is just another example of new co-manager management paradigm of closing any game fishery on anadromous waters where there are not harvestable salmon. This has been an issue on the Skagit and Stillaguamish and in the last few months there are several examples of that paradigm spreading. These game fish closures effect not only robust wild populations but also fisheries directed at hatchery steelhead (both summers and winters). This does not bode well for those have enjoy various anadromous game fish seasons on Puget Sound rivers.
Curt
Yes, It's spreading even though the science supports keeping it open. Further, the fact that
it is spreading is another symptom of our Departments failed strategy of "Cooperate and wait". They refuse to take a stand even on the smallest of issues in fear.
Things are indeed spiraling further and further out of control, yet all we hear and see from the Department is vague half truths if we hear anything. Their overuse of emergency notices is an attempt to manage a fishery that they no longer control. They closed Chum fishing from the start, yet left game fish on the book, open. Then, all of a sudden, another emergency notice, game fish closed. Reason, not enough Chum! If it weren't such a train wreck, it would almost be funny! Question is: Who's running the Department anyway?
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