By Joshua Duvauchelle
B.C. Salt Water Fishing Regulations
British Columbia is
Canada's westernmost province, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean between the U.S. states of Alaska and Washington. Fishing and aquaculture in B.C. constitutes a large portion of the province's economy, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for commercial and recreational anglers. Popular aquatic animals include various types of salmon, groundfish such as sole and cod, and shellfish like octopuses, clams and crabs. Individuals who wish to fish in B.C.'s coastal waters should be aware of the relevant regulations put in place by the province's Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
Tidal Licensing
Anglers must possess a sport fishing license for coastal tidal waters issued by the Pacific Fishery License Unit. The license is required for anyone catching any type of fish or shellfish. It must be in the angler's possession at all times while fishing. The angler must display it to any conservation or fishery officer that requests it. The card is valid and current starting from the date it is issued until March 31st of the proceeding year. The license costs CAD $22.05 for residents, CAD $106.05 for non-residents and $11.55 for individuals aged 65 or more. Children under age 16 are free. For more information, contact the Pacific Fishery License Unit at (604) 666-0566.
Halibut
Fishing for halibut is popular, but carries extraneous restrictions beyond the regulations covering typical saltwater species. Tidal licensing is often issued electronically. However, unlike most other fish and shellfish, halibut may only be caught by a Canadian resident if the license is issued electronically.
Non-residents who wish to catch halibut must apply for a paper license issued by a vendor approved by the Pacific Fishery License Unit (see Resources). This additional stipulation should be taken into account when applying for a license, as it may require added processing time.
Salmon
Individuals that with to fish for British Columbia's bountiful saltwater salmon population must purchase an additional salmon license issued by the Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF). The conservation stamp costs CAD $6.30 and should be attached to the standard tidal water license. The stamp is valid for one year, beginning on the date that the stamp is issued to the angler. Contact the PSF at (604) 664-7644 to order the stamp.
Shellfish
The waters off of B.C. house numerous shellfish species, including crab and mussels. Regulations are regional, depending on the coastal location in which you are fishing. In most areas, crab may only be caught in the day time. It is illegal to fish for crabs from an hour after sunset to an hour before sunrise on the proceeding day. In addition, fishing seasons for different types of shellfish vary monthly. Contact the Vancouver headquarters for Fisheries and Oceans Canada at (604) 666-0384 for updated times and season schedules.
Resources
About the Author:
Joshua Duvauchelle is an editor and journalist who has been writing since 2000. His work has appeared in various national and international magazines, including "Honolulu Magazine." Duvauchelle graduated with honors from Trinity Western University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in professional communications, and earned a certificate in applied leadership and public affairs from the Laurentian Leadership Centre.
Photo Credits:
Miguel Saavedra
