Bryant - Welcome to the BB.

I agree with Native Son - read 'Salmon Without Rivers' and you'll have a better idea of why we have rivers without salmon.

You've picked a great topic to write about. However, a word of caution on your primary thesis: it may not be entirely accurate. Commerical fishing is certainly a major factor, but the causes for the decline in Pacific salmon are complex, varied, and not always the same from year to year. In some years and in some places, commerical fishing is the primary cause of their decline. But at other times and places, other factors maybe more important.

Hydropower, habitat loss, and inappropriate hatchery practices are also major human contributors. Nonhuman factors also play a part(weather patterns, ocean conditions, etc). Once you start reading about all the factors that influence Pacific salmon abundance, it's easy to see why they're in such tough shape.

My intent is not to make you change your basic premise, rather I'm only pointing some things you should keep in mind. Best of luck.


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MSB