Voice of the Mid-Columbia | Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, Wash. |
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closeThe individuals controlling the steelhead's future seemingly are hell-bent on reducing the runs using wild vs. hatchery.
Let's talk wild vs. hatchery. We know hatchery fish first came from eggs taken from wild fish then hatched in a hatchery where fins are clipped and then released in rivers; however, when those hatchery fish return from the ocean, large numbers will end up spawning in rivers and their offspring will become wild fish with the same genetics and strength as the wild fish who first supplied the eggs for the hatchery.
Hatcheries have been in operation for over 60 years that I know of and back in those days fins were not clipped and all fish remained strong. Today with as many as 3 fins being clipped, holes punched in their tails and tags placed in their bodies, it's no wonder fish directly from a hatchery seem weak. They have been nearly mutilated and cannot swim properly.
The bottom line is use the hatcheries properly. Don't mutilate the fish and the rivers will become saturated with excellent and strong fish for everyone to enjoy. Quit giving in to politics and tribes and do what's right.
RAY PFLIGER, Pasco
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