WDFW today posted mandatory brat release on the Stilly + N. Fk. in order to ensure broodstock collection…I don't get it. They want us to release the fish they want out of the system in order to not continue rearing hatchery fish?!

Captain? Captain? Can somebody explain, please?

They have proposed to continue the Stillaguamish program (see Whitehorse Ponds plan on right side of page): http://wdfw.wa.gov/hatcheries/hgmp/2012_puget_sound.html

They just want to have fish to release once they are ESA-authorized to continue the program. That's why they need the broodstock.

lol so all of the pressure from around the sound where other STHD hatcheries are shutting down will shift up to the Fortson Hole? That's seems like a good idea....

No, WDFW is proposing to continue the winter steelhead releases in 5 watersheds: Stilly, Nooksack, Sky, Sno, and Dungeness.

Did you even look at the link i posted?

The potential impact of NOAA's decision to require a full EIS on brood stock was discussed immediately after Senator Pearson's committee hearing. This is clearly an action to ensure that there will be adequate resources available to rebuild early return runs in whatever form comes out of the EIS.

I was being overly dramatic. Calm down, Turbo.

It's just so hard on the internet to separate sarcasm from stupidity....my apologies.