As I was going about various chores this week I kept feeling that there was something missing. it then dawned on me that I would normally be setting up the Hatchery ! For some reason "science" decided that hatcheries were now a bad thing ! What I do know is that the Hatchery kept the Thurso river alive for many, many years. When the netting in the Estuary ceased in 2006 there was less need for it as there were more fish entering the system. However, the mass "extinction" of the Hatchery system is not only wrong but particularly stupid. Sure, there were hatcheries where the workers were bone idle and planted fry out in areas where there were plenty natural fry. But, most Hatcheries operated as they were meant to and fed the areas where there was a lack of fish spawning. I fear that we are becoming too clever for our own good and take the "science theory" over the word and experience of people who have worked on rivers for their lifetimes. As "science" can never be wrong, I wonder how, in twenty or so years, when the salmon population is almost decimated for other reasons, they will have to concede that they got it wrong and re-introduce the Hatchery system !!!