The Aug. 9 guest commentary, “Set aside three rivers for wild steelhead,” by the misguided — in our opinion — group trying to shut down fish hatcheries is costing the Washington state taxpayers millions of dollars, and is continuing. I believe the vast number of fishing license holders far out-number these anti-hatchery folks.
It is a travesty, in my opinion, the events that have been allowed to occur with regard to hatchery-reared fish.
Two large planned smolt steelhead trout plants by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife lost in successive years. Resulting in the loss of up to multiple millions of dollars to we citizens in the state of Washington.
Where did these valued baby steelhead trout go? The WDFW, yes, our fishing folks, planted the fish in lakes around Washington. And you guessed it, at more expense to the tax-paying public! Why are we continuing to allow this to happen?
We believe that hatchery-reared fish and wild fish can coexist, with careful planning, utilizing the latest up-to-date scientific data.
I love to catch fish not only as a sport but also as a healthy food source. The cost of fish at the supermarket is already out of sight for many low-income families. The Native American tribes also rely on fish as a food source. The loss of hatcheries would have a devastating effect. Let’s not allow this to happen. Wake up, fisherman out there.
Ellen C. Bearwood
Gold Bar
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
