Mr. Garth Griffin,
Supervisory Fishery Biologist/Branch Chief
Protected Resources Division, NOAA Fisheries
525 NE Oregon St. Suite 500
Portland, OR 97323


Re: 040525161-4161-01

Dear Mr. Griffin,

I am writing to oppose the proposed hatchery policy and its application to 27 salmon and steelhead species in the West. This proposal will have devastating, lasting impacts on the future of wild salmon and steelhead and their habitat. Wild fish are the key to the recovery of salmon and the communities and economies that depend on them.

[Your personal comments]

The sole purpose of the Endangered Species Act is to provide a means by which threatened and endangered species and their ecosystems may be conserved. It is not intended to provide a means to conserve human propagated fish. Counting hatchery fish as wild salmon and steelhead does not conserve those truly threatened and endangered species. Instead, it creates an incentive to continue harming these fragile ecosystems. Without good habitat, these species will face continued decline and possible extinction. This policy will accelerate that demise.

The hatchery policy ignores important differences between hatchery and wild fish. Scientists have identified critical differences between hatchery and wild fish that affect long-term sustainability. Your own scientists recommended against this hatchery policy because it could increase the risk of extinction for these species.

Even though all 27 salmon and steelhead stocks are proposed for protection, it is very clear that they will not remain protected for long. This policy will mask the ongoing declines of the wild fish by providing a false sense of security and recovery.

Salmon and steelhead and their habitat are in dire straits from California to Washington and inland to Idaho. They cannot afford any more mismanagement. I urge you to withdraw your hatchery policy and propose that only wild salmon and steelhead and their habitat be afforded necessary protection.

Sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your address]