This is hogwash. But I will say, without any hesitation or embarrassment, that fish hatcheries are only one part of a healthy fisheries program. Habitat restoration, fish passage and the health of ecosystems overall are critical to the future of fish and fishing. Wildlife habitat is essential to the future of hunting. Fish habitat is just as essential to the future of fishing.
Every family faces that situation now and then.
The Service is facing it today. For years, our hatchery system has struggled to be everything to everyone. As a result, we have a hatchery system today that is in desperate need of repair and modernization, and aquatic species and habitat in serious states of decline. Recently, our National Wildlife Refuge System faced a similar situation. We also hope your readers will follow the work of the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council as it helps to develop a long-range blueprint for the Hatchery System.