The state Board of Land and Natural Resources has approved new restrictions on lay gill nets.

Environmental advocates applauded the decision, saying the restrictions will combat overfishing.

"We're very pleased with the board's decision," said Kim Hum, director of the marine program at the Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i. "Our degraded fish populations can no longer afford indiscriminate lay gill nets. We urge Gov. Lingle to sign these restrictions into law as soon as possible."

The rules say nets cannot exceed 125 in length and 7 feet in width when stretched. The minimum mesh size would be 2.75 inches in most of the state and 3 inches in Kailua Bay on the Big Island.

In areas where netting is allowed, the net owner will only be allowed to set one net at a time and must be present at least every 30 minutes while nets are in the water.

Turtles, seals or other unintended catches would have to be released immediately. There will be a four-hour limit on leaving nets in the water, and the nets cannot be placed within 250 feet of another net.

Under the rules, lay nets are not permitted in freshwater streams, stream mouths or at night.

The proposed restrictions, which went out for public comment in July, will go to the Office of the Attorney General and then to the governor for signature.

Some fishermen fought against the restrictions, but dozens came out in support of it Friday. It's unclear when the restrictions would go into effect if they are approved by the governor.