By The Associated Press AP

12:21 p.m. AKDT, October 30, 2012
BETHEL, Alaska—

Three Alaska Native subsistence fishermen accused of fishing for king salmon in violation of restrictions set by the state because of poor runs have been found guilty.

KYUK reports Harry David and Adolph Lupie, both of Tuntutuliak, and Emil Williams of Bethel was convicted Tuesday in Bethel Superior Court. Each was fined $250. More men will go on trial Nov. 13.

The men's attorney said no one notified the fishermen about restrictions and they didn't know what the rules were.

But Magistrate Bruce Ward said they were negligent for not finding out about the restrictions.

In all, 60 fishermen originally faced misdemeanor charges for fishing closed sections of the Kuskokwim River during the summer king run.

Most charges were later reduced, and a little more than half pleaded guilty.