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The increased volume of anglers is annoying, but it’s only going to get worse. You can’t really blame them though, it’s a really fun hobby

Danhunt: Two completely different arguments here. Fish farming and the "Artifishal" argument is rooted in a belief that any commercial interests are corrupt and that they need to stop. Very similar to intensive farming operations worldwide. By stopping intensive fish farming operations it is hoped wild salmon stock will recover allowing for society to feast on wild populations of salmon. Unfortunately the wild salmon population has probably passed a level of recruitment to sustain human demand for salmon. Exactly the same in livestock management where if intensive livestock management was stopped, the world wide human population would probably starve to death. I worked in the animal health industry for many years and had the opportunity to visit a number of salmon farms on the west coast. Some good, some less and came to conclusion that change was needed and how change could be made to meet everyone demands for meat production and ultimately protection of the environment. Therefore root out the abusers and support those companies who do a good job. Often economics of production will result in the latter. The Bow River trout decline is a totally different situation. Although economically angling the Bow contributes in excess of $25 million to the local economy annually and all 4 East Slopes Zone more that $300 million to the Alberta economy, the importance of water supply for agriculture, hydro power generation and flood control have far more economic and social importance than recreational fishing. Add to this, society needs for clean water and waste water management and control would suggest many possible influencers of fish population enhancement and controls are taken off the table. Unfortunately all of the above are outside the control of fishery biological control and management policy. and are driven more by economic considerations and social needs. Unfortunately the current water management policies and those that are being proposed for the Bow River basin do impact invertebrate life, fish habitat and fish feed availability. And during the spring and early summer can have a dramatic impact of angling success. I have argued with many individuals within the Bow River's water management regulator group for ways to protect the fishery, but outside of better control of daily fluctuations, federal and provincial statutes will need to change. So what is left, stocking the Bow River to meet angling demands, or regulation change to protect the fishery. Historically, stocking flowing rivers was discontinued in western north America many years ago with a shift to environmental enhancement and fishing regulation change. The choice will most likely be anglers to make. But if regulation change is forthcoming it would seem logical to stock contained water resources where regulations could be more relaxed to meet the needs for more fishing opportunities. So where do I stand on these issues and who do I believe I represent and influence. I am a recreational angler who has been involved in a number conservation groups over the years, but have been disappointed in commitments to recreational angling opportunities. The Bow River needs a voice of reason, no vested interest, just protect the fishery for those who wish to throw a line across a rising fish and maybe catch a few under the surface. I have the time to research the multi-disciplined viewpoint on these issues and hopefully present a basis for discussion. But most importantly protect the Bow River wild trout population for future generations. Everything else is secondary!