It's a pity that your license money and conservation stamp funds don't actually go to where they would do some good. To get the real facts from this government would be like cloning Jesus from blood DNA in the holy grail.
There are lots of factors influencing the salmon and other fish stocks but overfishing by commercial type operations has usually caused the most damage, follwed by habitat destruction. You don't need to be a scientist to get that picture after awhile of living on the planet.
If they close the salmon to sport fishers you would think that monies used to improve habitat etc. from license sales would be detrimental. But in fact I doubt, and would love to be proved wrong that license money is actually going to those things. It probably goes into general revenue, for minister retreats and lunchions for all anybody could tell. You get your winter Olympics, some sh*ty mascots and highway to Whistler. You don't get money for fish or other wildlife. These guys like world class gladhanding not environmental issues. Others say leader length and bottom bouncing are destroying the fishery are either elitist, totally misinformed or being misinforming. I don't think flossing fish is ethical but neither is hunting animals with guns (or polluting habitat). I've done both and don't judge people if thats what turns there crank as long as it doesn't wipe out the fishery, kill all the animals etc.
Shutting down the fishery on the rivers also leaves them wide open to poaching because some people who make their living through sport fish charters etc would not be there to report violates. Or hunters and guides to report poachers.
I post some of these newspaper articles so that you can be informed of issues that affect what we appreciate and hope to see other generations enjoy and appreciate. I hope no one takes this the wrong way or a reason to push their ideals. It's just discussion to broaden your perspective on these issues.