Originally Posted By: Jake Dogfish
Originally Posted By: FleaFlickr02
If hatchery production is increased, you ought not assume sport fishers, while we may enjoy slightly more productive angling due to higher numbers of fish being present, will be allocated any additional catch. Lest we forget, this is the Orca Task Force making recommendations; not the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Task Force.


This the point that the “plant fish stupid” crowd never gets. For the most part our ability to fish is limited by impacts to wild fish. Anything that is bad for wild fish is bad for fishermen. It does not matter how many fish they plant if we don’t have fishing opportunity.


Simple ol' me perceives a win-win opportunity; if the predation in Puget Sound by seals and sea lions is reduced - particularly on smolts - the improved survival will be spread across both wild and hatchery fish. More returning wild fish yields better for us impact numbers which have been the constraining factor in marked selective fisheries.

But, yes, just dumping more smolts into the water will primarily feed seals and sea lions.

Barry Thom - you need to step to the plate on the MMPA.
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Remember to immediately record your catch or you may become the catch!

It's the person who has done nothing who is sure nothing can be done. (Ewing)