I wont speak of whether I believe it is true or not since I do not have enough info to make that judgement. With that said, I take issue with those that say that if it is true it is no different than the payola that happens all the time in this country with business recruiting college and pre-college potential employees.
Snce these people work for a Gov't agency (or will once degree is obtained), it is not the same as say Microsoft giving a potential employee a Mercedes if they will sign-on before graduation. The gillnetters association paying for a potential fisheries dept. employees education would be would be no different than the mob putting a prospective DA or Judge through school, and if it came to light we all know what the outcome of that would be.
More than scholarships, I would be interested to know if the gillnetters send decision makers on vacation trips or "sponsor" seminar trips etc.
That would be the same as a bribe in my book, but THAT goes on in Gov't all the time......

MC