No confidence on genetics and fish stocks

Since every effort by man to "manage" wildlife has had unforeseen and always negative consequences, I would propose that if the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the politicians they work for, truly have confidence in their plan to use genetics (testosterone) to alter fish stocks, then they should go on record as willing to accept responsibility, both criminal and civil, for any and all negative consequences. Since the potential consequences will certainly be long-term, that liability should be assigned to their heirs in perpetuity.

Only if they have that level of confidence should this plan be allowed to proceed. It's easy to take actions if you are not held personally responsible and can't be held liable for the outcome.

If ADF&G and the governor are truly confident in the science behind this, then that should not be a problem.

To begin with, it is totally unnecessary. We have been getting along just fine for many years without such experimenting. Seems like just another way to waste public money.

Also, to my knowledge, people participating in experiments are required to be informed and compensated. Once responsibility is accepted, as mentioned above, and my check clears, I will support this program.

Until then, don't even suggest such nonsense.

Randall K. Fletcher

Fairbanks