Aunty,

Indeed, there are alternatives to gillnets. Most of them are not as economically efficient, which is one major reason for opposition. The other, is that the solo gillnetter is real clear about who owns, and therefore sells, the catch. That is the over-riding reason I've encountered against banning gillnets.

As you mention, the Columbia R. gillnet fleet exists at all because of the taxpayer supported supply of hatchery fish. No hatchery fish in the Columbia, no commercial (non-treaty) fishing. That simple. However, there would be very little recreational fishing, either. I do agree with the positions that recreational fishing returns more $ to the economy per fish caught (whether kept or released) than commercial fishing. And maybe it is in the public interest to support hatcheries that support recreational fishing even if they don't support a concurrent commercial fishery for both the social and economic benefits. Understanding, of course, that the benefits are still a subsidy.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.