Read and weep:
https://www.governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/SRKWDraftReport_09-24-18.pdfMy brief assessment based on a sportfishing view:
1. Fish hatcheries were noted as a way to increase chinook production, but a laundry list of "proven" problems vs natural production were noted. The task force lists as fact that there are unsolvable problems to hatchery production. This was an interesting portion as the committee almost admitted hatcheries were necessary in the very short future but went to great length to describe and hint that the real solution, the best solution would be for no hatcheries and only wild production.
2. Water quality and climate change were noted in great length as impacting Orcas despite thin at best science. I guess it is generally assumed. This leads to potentially endless ways to increase regulation on virtually everything. Little to no data or science, just talk about all kinds of environmental regulations for water quality and climate change in general. I expect this to be added to the reasons justifying climate change legislation.
3. Seal/Sea lion predation was noted, but only admitted for the Columbia where the mountain of data is impossible to hide. For Puget Sound, studies were not only ignored, but actually denied to have existed. The only recommendation was an endless train of further studies, probably until someone somehow publishes the answer they are looking for. There are studies that show the overpopulation level of these predators and how they consume many multiples of what commercial, recreational and Orcas do. This is the single largest portion of the salmon take, yet no recommendations to lower it for Puget Sound were even proposed. Some talk of the Columbia was mentioned, but I don't know too many Orcas that frequent the upper Columbia.
4. Recommendation to create and expand "no-go" areas in Marine Areas 4, 5, 6 and 7. Obviously these would be areas that Orcas, and thus chinook, frequent.
5. Recommendation to create system where WDFW would be required to immediately shut down all fishing when the Orcas are in town. Complete closure of fishery regardless of quota.
6. Vague recommendations on how small craft sonar should be shut down when close to Orcas (1 km).
7. No plan on how to fund any of it other than "general fund". Much of the burden would fall to WDFW.
8. Introduction of licenses for whale watching both commercially and recreationally. If you are perceived to be watching them for more than 15 minutes, you need a license or face a fine.
9. Recommendations to reduce by-catch. For recreational fishing, this would likely include seasons where chinook are to be released - potentially impacting every season we have.
All in all, awesome hit job where science is largely ignored. Correct me if I am wrong.
