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Oregon's hatchery releases have increased from 7.5 million in 1960 to 12 million in 1988 (excluding private releases). Coho production occurs at 18 public and 4 private hatcheries. Most natural production now occurs in coastal streams. Wild stocks comprised approximately 46 percent of the ocean harvest in 1969. They comprised only 25 percent for the period 1977-80 (Anon. 1982b). Coho produced in Oregon contributes to a number of commercial and sport fisheries. The Oregon -Coho hatchery program was enlarged in the 1960s, which generated much optimism. In the late bOs, adult coho fluctuations became prevalent between years. In 1977, coho abundance dropped to the lowest level since 1962. This downward trend in adult production occurred in spite of increased hatchery production. The theories of why coho production went the opposite of predictions are numerous. After 30 years of intensive artificial production, enhancement projects have been unable to equal the historic level of natural production. There is currently a downward trend in adult escapements of wild and hatchery stocks in a time of increasing hatchery smolt releases. Because of this, ODFW has taken. actions to determine the mechanisms responsible for mortality. ODFW addressed these concerns by designing seven management objectives in their coho management plan (Anon. 1982b). Several of these include supplementation strategies. Oregon's new directive is to supplement natural runs with indigenous broodstock as per wild fish policy and to explore methods to improve hatchery fish. Oregon recently determined that they can significantly increase densities of juvenile coho at the end of the summer rearing period in most streams. However, releases of hatchery pre-smolts has reduced the density of wild juvenile coho by 40-50 percent (Solazzi et al. 1983). Stocking hatchery pre-smolts produced a net loss for adult returns (Nickelson 1981). The results showed that hatchery pre-smolts should only be stocked in habitat that is greatly underseeded. Release size for coho vary between 35-38 g (12-13 fish /lb} for hatcheries with survival rates less than two percent. When survival is greater than two percent Oregon managers recommend releasing 23-25 g (23-25 fish/lb) fish. Size at release becomes less critical in years with high ocean. upwelling (Johnson 1982). Chinook Fall -The fall chinook salmon of coastal Oregon are healthy and populations are as high or higher than at anytime in the last century. The landings during 1986, 1987, and 1988 have never been higher during the 70 years that they have been activity fished in the ocean (Nicholas and Hankin 1989). The complexities of natural processes make it impossible to state for sure how this happened. However, one sure statement is that hatchery programs were not responsible.. The vast majority of coastal rivers are presently supporting wild chinook populations at levels equal to anything in the past century 6