FA, do you know that for a fact? In other gillnet test fisheries, I've seen them use short nets and watch for corks bobbing. As soon as they see something they go check that spot and release it alive if it's a non-target species.
I'm not saying that's the way they do it at Albion, though I think it should be. I'm just suggesting it's possible that they don't kill all of them. I don't know - I haven't seen it first hand. They probably do keep target species (sockeye & chums) as that's usually how the test fishermen get paid.
If you have been on the dock and seen them deliver steelhead & coho, then I will believe you. But if you have just seen a net with some fish in it from afar, then I think you may be jumping to conclusions.