Sometimes a salmon tourist

So, however you slice it, the more diverse the chances to edu-tain these tourists, the better. When tourists come and catch a sustainably raised, collaboratively grown fish, they will learn so much that their bill tips left behind would be a new income stream for the community. Here’s a quick example of a future letter from the local school superintendent to the taxpayers.

Dear taxpayer:

Here’s some super good news. Our recently implemented fish-based STEAM curricula have paid dividends far beyond our wildest dreams. With the collaboration of the different tribes in the Skagit River watershed, the farmers, county, universities and several NGOs and private philanthropy, we are now reaping rewards. We have been helping feed fish to ourselves, orcas, tuna and whatever other predator might catch some in the Salish Sea and the ocean beyond.

Well, with the high rate of survival and the efficient growing system, we have been selling our students’ homework to local restaurants, fish markets and now tourists, who can come catch their own. Even though we provide a significant amount of fish at cost, or outright gift it, we have made enough money to be able to tell you all that we won’t be asking for a tax levy at this time.

This project has been successful enough for each property taxpayer to receive one of these salmon as a gift, a sign of our appreciation for your incredible support of our schools. Since the tribes have already received an appreciable percentage of these amazing fish, everyone should get a share of this amazing school project.

We believe that we will be able to supply the Kiwanis with enough salmon for next years Tulip Festival Salmon BBQ. We are extremely happy to share this great news with you.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Salmonhead

(aka Glen S Johnson)

Skagit Valley