This was years ago but ADF+G mostly got out of the hatchery business. It all boiled down to money, apparently the budget folks couldn't get money from the general fund to benefit the commercial and sport fisheries. The state, at that time at least, didn't get any funds from the fishermen or women, I think there was a 3% tax that went to the local govt.
Nice to read another fact filled article by Ms. Welch, whom I have been reading for all the many years I have been involved with various fisheries and hatcheries. bruce