Jam Session,

The 10% incidental mortality rate came about by agreement between NMFS, WDFW, ODFW, and treaty tribes. I guess you could say it's more policy based than science based. They needed a number, and 10% is the number all were apparently willing to agree to. To those of us who participate in several types and areas of fishing 10% is likely too low for some and too high for others. But it's the number we're stuck with unless and until definitive studies for specific fisheries occur.

You seemed surprised that the treaty tribes will also be fishing under this plan. You don't think the co-managers would go to all this effort just so you and I and other recreational anglers can fish, do you? Besides, what a lot of folks seem to miss is the tribes have fished some in the past, they are and have been fishing for some steelhead recently, and they will continue to fish some for steelhead in the future, plan or no plan. This plan however puts some sideboards on everyone's fishing that is designed to ensure the conservation of Skagit wild steelhead. It's a good thing. Unwind and relax.

Sg