Comment from Robert Russell

Dear Decision Makers, I am writing to express my strong recommendation to keep protections in place for Oregon's coastal coho salmon. Our wild coho stocks are still threatened, despite some important progress and some excellent ocean-survival in recent years. As the ultimate managers of these fisheries, you should consider managing based on the lowest returns in a 20 to 30 year period. In other words: you really only have as many fish as you have in the lowest point of the cycle. Or, you are only as strong as your weakest link. Our coho are still at dangerously low population levels, and much more needs to be done to secure their future. Removing ESA protection would allow resource extrators and developers to drag coho back down to their all-time lows, if not firther. Please resist the pressure from those who would gladly throw our salmon under the bus for economic gain. Let's stay focused on bringing back Oregon's greatest ocean fishery, for the long-term benefit of all Oregonians. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Robert G. Russell Salmon Advocate