ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Court of Appeals has upheld state rules curtailing the use of gillnets on the main stem of the Columbia River.
Commercial fishermen shunted to side channels and tributaries by the rules challenged them in court.
The nets have long been the primary method of commercial fishing on the Columbia.
Former Gov. John Kitzhaber sought the rules after a long dispute.
The nets hook fish by the gills. Critics said they hurt salmon because they catch fish indiscriminately, hauling in endangered and other fish alike.
The Daily Astorian reports that fisherman opposed to the rules say they may take their case to the state Supreme Court, or ask the new governor, Kate Brown, for relief.
