based on the testimony of the fisheries biologists present during the evidentiary hearing, that the natural consequences of allowing the unfettered taking of Chinook salmon under the religious free exercise exception through subsistence harvest urged by the defendants would result in ... the decimation of the species by over fishing.In a colloquy with defense counsel, the Judge Ward said: "This court understands there will be an appeal, and frankly I think there should be." Some 22 defendants are standing trial on charges growing out of a "fish-in" protest last year. (Background.)
UPDATE: Alaska Native News reports: "Many of the fishermen were found guilty on Monday when proceedings re-started. They were given $500 fines with $250 suspended and one -year probation."