the goal of the wdfw is to get more hatchery fish for the commercials so they can justify hatchery funding and once that happens there will be nothing we can do about it.
You could'nt get out of a paper bag.
why do you think the wdfw is testing different selective commercial fishing methods in the lower columbia river ?? [/quote]
WDFW? Cause they were told to. Didnt NOAA go around Koenings and set up testing with the tribes? Their goal is to save wild fish, without kicking commies out of the river. There is too much push-back from local politicians. You notice all the politicians who preach selective harvest yet let everyone else do the work. Ya, they exert some influence in funding, but they are not kicking them out of the river. It would not matter if they did. They just fish somewhere else and I have no information on the impacts in coastal waters.
Your supposition of why these departments are doing this is wrapped up in conspiracy. I suspect they would rather not deal with any of it. You have a defeated attitude and expect to get screwed. Unfortunately, you see nothing positive about the changes. You think, we lack the ability to persuade and have no case. You are wrong.
I agree with the manipulation comment. That is why its important to have fishing orgs and voters involved. Yet, the people who are not members seem to know all about, what the organizations want to do or intend to do than the members. Every election, fish advocacy gives way to petty differences about business and social issues. For once, just get this done.
I found a democrat [outside my district] for fish and he is an incumbant, he even said we have too many seals. But, I was the person who told him how many we have and the damage they are doing. I have 3 in my district and only one of them is for the fish. These people are spending too much and raising taxes. It isnt likely to change, but the fish are running out of time. Go find out where the candidates stand. If they don't know its a problem to their constituents, they won't ask questions or get involved.
We get the crumbs because we haven't been proactive enough, before the elections and find out where candidates stand. Other than the Candidates for Governor, what local candidate has taken a public stand on our fisheries?
The Jacobsen, Haugens, Hargroves, Hatfields in commercial fishing districts, are not confused who their constituents are. We vote our business or social issues and role the dice on everything else. Its no wonder that Slade Gorton was so successful in this state.
Twice as many Senators, 33-15 voted to get rid of the commission as keep it. Is that a reflection of constituents or ignoring that direct representation is more important, than a commercial fishermans paycheck? Some people don't deserve representation?
Fact is, only a few people had the heads up, the meeting took place and most of the hunting clubs either were not involved or never considered what anglers wanted. The Senators in the YEA column never considered what anglers wanted. Thats our fault, too.
Is there a sportfisherman on this site, who would throw hunters under the bus and not support their hunting opportunities?