"Yuji Sakuma" wrote in message
. ..
Willi,



Thanks for pointing out a consideration, natural versus human selection,
that I had not previously heard mentioned with respect to fisheries
management. It always makes me happy to learn something new.


Another reason is that the hatchery fish are notorious disease spreaders.
Another reason is that the hatchery fish can be more aggressive in
fertilizing the redds, but the eggs thus fertilized are thought to be less
survivable.
In sum, Moma Nature does it better for these and other reasons we probably
are clueless about. Result . . . best we don't intervene- better we back off
the pressure when the runs get scanty.

Also note, the State of Washington just ordered a 2 year wild steelhead
release Statewide starting April,'04.

Dave