IMHO,

Nets are evil and the first step towards helping the runs would be to pull them or have a much better monitored, limited commercial harvest. That would especially help the rivers in which they are the primary factor in decimating the runs. In the more pristine systems, of course.

But just pulling the nets is not enough, salmon are an indicator organism about the health of the environment. We ALL need to support any legislation aimed at protecting the environment. A growth based economy must learn to sustain itself without pollution.

Overpopulation is a fact that will not change. It drives all of this controversy. I got over it years ago when I started to see people pour into this state. Many of my favorite hunting and fishing spots overrun or developed. I used to get angry but you might as well get mad at the weather for all the good it does you.

If we could limit ourselves to 2-3 kids (if we are able to adequately support them) , and not be afraid to put a lid on immigration, maybe we can manage it.