Following a public outcry after a diver strangled an octopus in Seattle last October, the Washington Fish and Wildlife commission implemented new rules restricting the recreational hunting of giant Pacific octopuses at seven popular diving sites. This, despite the octopus population being healthy and rules allowing a person with a valid state fishing license to harvest one giant Pacific octopus per day in most of Puget Sound.
Meanwhile, the very same Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission refuses to re-consider a rules change that would put a stop to the retention of wild steelhead. In 2004 the commission enacted a two year statewide ban on keeping wild steelhead but chose to walk back the rule in spite of supporters outnumbering opponents three-to-one at the committee hearing.
Somehow a public outcry works for the protection of Washington's giant octopi but not for its state fish.