Dear HCN,
After a brief look at a
picture of Steve Stuebner (HCN, 9/24/01: Nature hits a home run for
salmon), I had to feel a pang of disbelief that an old adversary of
mine would do such an unnatural act. All adiposed salmon and
steelhead caught in Idaho waters must be immediately released.
Smolts are released from the hatcheries after the adipose fin is
clipped to tell the difference. General fin deformation is also a
good clue as to hatchery origin. The scar or fin ray disfigurement
remains for life. A good angler knows very soon whether he has a
wild fish on or a hatchery fish just by the fight. Steve should
know better about handling wild fish; they should never leave the
water nor be touched by human hands.
Past studies
concluded a large percentage of released fish die before their
life’s mission. Handling a fish out of water is not good. Future
studies will reveal how significant the loss to native anadromous
fish is, which will determine if “jeopardy” can be endorsed by NMFS
for ensuring future runs. This could lead to closures. Next time,
Steve, hold a hatchery fish up for a photo op,
please.
George
Harrington
Lewiston,
Idaho
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Catch and release no good for wild ones.
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