Posted on May 30 2014
Hatchery vs Wild
These graphs show the difference between two iconic PNW steelhead rivers and the returns of wild steelhead over a 60+ year period. Most important here is how quickly the wild returning fish have declined at the same rate that hatchery plans have been increased.
Very challenging to argue these numbers and yet so many are. We need to listen to Mother Nature a bit more closely, take our personal feelings out of the equation and support the decision to allow the Skagit to not have hatchery plants for the next 12 years and give the wild fish the opportunity to rebound if they can.
Do we know for sure what the results will be? No, but clearly the current management plan is not working.
original content Bill McMillan