“Instead, Kitzhaber wants gillnet use to transition to off-channel safe areas such as Youngs Bay. These areas are stocked with hatchery salmon, so gill-netters could still haul in a healthy harvest without inadvertently catching wild, endangered fish. “

Since when did that become a true statement?

“Among other steps, the governor wants ODFW to evaluate whether more hatchery fish are needed to supply gill-netters' needs and whether they need more or larger safe areas along the river.”

They aren’t going to be able to catch what is available to them already because of the same ESA listed restraints, so more larger safe areas shouldn’t be part of the equation.

“The governor hasn’t taken a position on whether gillnet opponents should back away from the ballot measure, Brownscombe said. But “if going through the commission now is something that can help avoid an acrimonious and divisive ballot battle, he’s all for that.”

I’d like to see a gill net buy back program introduced.----- all or none. $1,000 a piece.

That is $200,000 more than the fish wheel operator s received in the 1930’s when the gill netter faction decided to get rid of some of their competition.