Judge Permits More Taking of Endangered Puget Sound Salmon

Moldy Chum picked up on the news yesterday that a federal judge ruled against conservationists who want to curtail commercial fishing of endangered salmon in Puget sound. Apparently the fact that in ten rivers fewer than 500 fish are now returning to spawn is not enough evidence that taking 22 to 76 percent of the fish is any danger to their populations. “Federal officials are not violating the Endangered Species Act by allowing fishing for Puget Sound salmon — even though it kills up to three-quarters of the fish protected under the law — U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik of Seattle said in a ruling issued Friday.” Article link.