About three years ago, I believe that each sport caught fish brought back into our states economy about $200 dollars or better. I am sure by now, that the figure has increase even more. That would mean that for every fish that was caught, the state would benefit roughly $50 dollars more then it had spent to raise a fish.

I wonder how much money is being spent now to protect each wild retuned fish. I'll bet you that the number is three times as much as the cost of raising a hatchery fish is, if not more.

Have you ever seen any studies that show what the value of a "wild" fish brings back to our states economy compared to that of a hatchery raised fish?

It would be interesting to compare what a wild fish brings to our economy compared to the value that a hatchery fish brings, and then maybe one side or the other side can convince our state government where it may best spend our tax dollars at.

Just a thought!


Cowlitzfisherman