Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 160, Number 27: Regulations Amending the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996
July 4, 2026
Statutory authority
Fisheries Act
Sponsoring department
Department of Fisheries and Oceans
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT
(This statement is not part of the Regulations.)
Issues
The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) undertook a review of the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 (BCSFR) to ensure that they continue to reflect modern management practices for recreational fisheries. DFO determined that certain quotas, size limits, and other restrictions outlined in the BCSFR do not reflect the latest science or best practices to effectively manage some recreational fisheries and conserve species in British Columbia (B.C.). These regulatory gaps have been bridged on an interim basis by DFO by including additional conditions of licence on recreational licences for sports fishing in tidal waters.
Conditions of licence that establish quotas, size limits, and other requirements are set at the beginning of the fishing season, which recreational fishers receive when purchasing their B.C. Tidal Waters Sport Fishing licence. However, should there be a need to change a condition of licence in-season for the conservation and protection of fish, the requirements for notification and delivery of amendments to conditions of licence, set out in the Fishery (General) Regulations (FGR), require DFO to send the amendments to licence holders either by registered mail or personally delivered by a fishery officer. With over 300 000 recreational tidal water licences issued each year, this requirement makes in-season changes difficult and burdensome. Fixing conditions directly in the BCSFR in respect of an area — such as close times, quotas, size limits, or gear — allows for simpler and more efficient notification to licence holders (i.e. posting a fishery notice to DFO’s website) in the event that such provisions are varied using the variation order-making power provided for in the FGR.
Additionally, since the BCSFR came into force in 1996, recreational fisheries management has become more complex. Certain species that were not considered for sports fishing when the BCSFR was created are now sought out by recreational fishers and consequently require management on a local or species-specific scale. Many species that are now being fished in recreational fisheries are listed at the phylogenetic family level; this structure limits DFO in setting quotas, gear requirements, or close times for distinct species, limiting DFO’s ability to conserve and manage these species.
In addition, certain definitions in the BCSFR are now outdated and need updating to reflect modern gear and methods used by fishers. Updating these definitions would provide clarity and better reflect the evolution of fisheries.
Background
The BCSFR sets out the requirements for recreational fishing (sport fishing) in the tidal and non-tidal waters of B.C. Generally, tidal waters refer to waters of the Pacific Ocean (salt water), whereas non-tidal waters refer to freshwater within the province. The BCSFR regulate the conservation and protection of fish and the proper management and control of the recreational fishery in Canadian fishery waters of the Pacific Ocean and of the province of B.C. The BCSFR includes measures such as restrictions on the retention of certain species, gear restrictions, gear marking and safety requirements. In Canada, the management of fisheries in tidal waters is the responsibility of the federal government. In B.C., the federal government also manages salmon everywhere they are found — in both salt water and freshwater environments. In non-tidal waters of B.C., there is shared responsibility between the federal government and the provincial government.
A broad review of recreational fishing regulations was announced in 2021 as part of the Harvest Transformation pillar of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative. These regulations are phase I of a set of amendments aimed at regulatory renewal of the BCSFR. While some of the proposed amendments in phase I do not directly relate to Pacific salmon, they contribute to the overall management of the recreational fisheries in the Pacific. This set of proposed amendments was identified in DFO’s 2025 Red Tape Review Progress Report, as the proposed regulations would streamline and improve management of the recreational fishing sector, clarify rules, and promote compliance with regulations.
In B.C., many measures to improve management of DFO’s recreational fisheries have been implemented through conditions of licence. Recreational fishing licences are currently issued every year with approximately two pages of written conditions that all recreational fishers must follow. Conditions are set at the beginning of the recreational fishing year in anticipation that they will be largely static throughout the season.
When certain management measures (i.e. close times, quotas, size limits, and gear types) are listed directly in the BCSFR in respect of an area, it allows the authorized person within DFO or, where applicable, the director responsible for fisheries management in the Government of B.C., to make changes to them in-season through variation orders. Variation orders are regularly used by DFO to respond to emerging conservation and fisheries management needs.
Objective
The overall objective of the proposed amendments to the BCSFR is to allow for a more modern and responsive management of recreational fisheries in B.C. waters.
The first objective is to provide fishery managers with more flexibility to make in-season changes by migrating long-standing conditions of licence to regulations. In season variation orders could be used to allow fishing opportunities for recreational harvest if conditions permit, and they also allow for a more rapid response by DFO should the need arise to reduce fishing opportunities to protect a species.
The second objective is to allow more localized or species-specific management that is currently managed at the phylogenetic family level by adding new species to the BCSFR schedules. This proposed change would allow DFO to set quotas, gear/methods, and close times determining when and how these species can be fished during the fishing season.
The third objective is to modernize the BCSFR to reflect modern gear, methods, and requirements in the recreational fisheries in B.C. This would clarify the requirements for fishing with certain gears and methods for both recreational fishers and enforcement personnel.
Description
The following section summarizes the proposed amendments. The amendments are organized by species, gear or definition changes.
Changes to salmon
One way of preserving the quality of sport-caught fish is to clean it in situ or as soon after harvest as possible, including removing the head and gills. In the past, recreational harvesters were advised by DFO not to remove the head of their catch so that fishery officers may determine whether fish meet length requirements. However, in 2022, DFO introduced head-off equivalents to head-on maximum length/size requirements for coho and Chinook salmon through conditions of licence to support the practice of recreational fishers in processing their catch (e.g. filet) prior to transporting fish to their residence and to support critical head returns (Salmon Head Recovery Program) for stock assessment information, while giving fishery officers the tools to ensure that fishers are compliant with the size of their salmon catch set out in the regulations.
The proposed amendments would introduce equivalent pectoral lengths, previously referred to as head-off length, for chinook and coho salmon for overall length and minimum overall length in Schedule VI of the BCSFR. This would apply both to different sizes and would apply to daily quotas and aggregate quotas for coho and Chinook salmon. Other salmon species, such as pink, sockeye, and chum, will not have pectoral length equivalents added as part of the proposed amendments. This would continue to ensure that minimum and maximum length/size requirements for catching coho and Chinook salmon are enforced, while supporting critical information for stock assessment.
Changes to halibut
There are several changes for the management of halibut proposed in the amendments. A new recording requirement would be added for halibut requiring fishers to record their catch of halibut immediately on their licence or, if a record can be made in a catch registry kept by the DFO, in that registry. Previously, this has been a condition of licence.
A new part in the BCSFR would be created for halibut to consolidate the many provisions exclusive to halibut in one place in the regulations. Additionally, the proposed amendments would introduce three different length categories for halibut, each with their own daily quota and equivalent pectoral lengths. This would allow DFO to maximize in season flexibility to manage opportunities for fishers based on the total allowable catch (TAC) set by the International Halibut Committee for recreational halibut fishing. An aggregate daily quota of two halibut a day in all subareas applicable to all length categories of halibut would be added. This would ensure that fishers could not catch more than two halibut a day, regardless of the different daily quotas for each halibut length category. There would also be the introduction of an annual quota for the catching and retaining of ten halibut a year. Previously, length categories, daily quota and annual limits have been managed by conditions of licence.
Size limits for Manila, littleneck and butter blams
Size limits for Manila clams, littleneck clams, and butter clams have been imposed via condition of licence since 2020 and are now considered a permanent management measure. The proposed regulatory amendment would add a minimum size limit of 35 mm for Manila and littleneck clams, and a minimum size limit of 55 mm for butter clams. This would prohibit the harvesting of undersized Manila, littleneck, and butter clams.
Requiring a descending device when angling
The proposed amendment would add a requirement that when a licence holder is angling from their vessel, they will have a descending device onboard the vessel. There will also be a requirement that rockfish, not retained by recreational fishers, be released immediately to a similar water depth from which they were caught by the use of a descending device. The requirement to return rockfish that are not being retained to a similar depth from which they were caught using a descending device has been a condition of licence since 2020.
Adding new species to the BCSFR schedules
These proposed amendments would add new species to Schedule IV and Schedule V of the BCSFR alongside daily quotas, gear types and methods, and close times for these species. This would allow DFO to manage these species at the species level, rather than at the family level allowing for more targeted management measures in B.C. recreational fisheries. This proposed set of amendments gives DFO the tools to vary daily quotas, gear types and methods, and close times for these species listed in the regulations through variation orders, allowing DFO to respond with in-season changes to protect the health of the stock.
List of species being added to Schedule IV (Gear, Close Times and Quotas for Fin Fish Other than Salmon in Tidal Waters)
Rockfish: The proposed amendment would add the following rockfish species under the “rockfish” heading (item 9) of Schedule IV of the BCSFR: Boccaccio, China, Quillback, Tiger, Copper, Black, Canary, Redbanded, and Vermillion. These species would also be added to the list of scientific and common names found in Schedule I of the BCSFR. An aggregate daily quota will be added so that no recreational fishers may catch more than three rockfish in a day, across the different species of rockfish. A variation of the aggregate quota as part of these proposed amendments had previously been a condition of licence.
Tuna: The tuna family and individual tuna species are not listed under Schedule IV of the BCSFR. DFO seeks the flexibility to more precisely manage tuna species by listing them. The proposed amendments would add tuna under Schedule IV and list the following tuna species under this family: Bluefin Tuna, Pacific Bonito, Skipjack Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Yellowtail Amberjack, Bigeye tuna, and Pacific Albacore Tuna. These species would also be added to the list of scientific and common names found in Schedule I.
An aggregate daily quota would be added so that no recreational fisher may catch more than 20 tuna in a day, across the different species of tuna. These species of tuna were previously managed through item 21 of Schedule IV, which also set a daily quota of 20 fish.
Species being added to Schedule V (Gear, Close Times and Quotas for Molluscs, Echinoderms, Crustaceans and Shellfish in Tidal Waters)
Varnish clam: The proposed amendment would add this species under the “clam” heading (item 2) of Schedule V with daily quotas, gear types and close times. This species would also be added to the list of scientific and common names found in Schedule I. Varnish clams were previously managed under item 19 of Schedule V with a quota of 20. The new quota of 75 will allow for greater opportunities to harvest varnish clams and control its population given its status as an invasive species to B.C. waters.
Opal and Humboldt Squid: Squid are listed as a single species in the BCSFR. The proposed amendment would add Humboldt squid and Opal squid under the “squid” heading (item 16) of Schedule V with their own daily quotas, gear types and close times. Both species would also be added to the list of scientific and common names found in Schedule I. Opal squid was previously managed as a condition of licence with a daily quota of 200. Humboldt squid was previously subject to the 5 kg daily quota limit for squid, having previously been managed under item 16 of Schedule V. The proposed amendment would support recreational fishing opportunities at a species level.
New and amended definitions
DFO is proposing to amend the definitions for artificial fly and fly fishing. This is to clarify to recreational fishers what type of materials and gear are acceptable when using an artificial fly or fly fishing. There would also be a new definition added to the BCSFR for descending device and artificial lure.
There is also a minor amendment to the description of the boundaries for the Skeena River (Schedule III), Item 8) that reflects the newly installed boundary signs. This amendment is a result of changing river morphology in the area.
Regulatory development
Consultation
Province of B.C.
The Fish and Wildlife Branch of the Province of B.C. collaborated in the development of the revised definitions of gear types in freshwater fisheries. Consultation with their advisory bodies commenced in the fall of 2023. B.C. has continued to be engaged throughout the development of the regulatory amendments applicable to non-tidal waters and is supportive of the proposed amendments.
Recreational sector
Consultations with the recreational sector have primarily involved the Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB) [which includes local Sport Fishing Advisory Committees and member organizations including the B.C. Wildlife Foundation and the Sport Fishing Institute of B.C. (SFI)]. The SFAB was advised of these specific amendments on January 17, 2023, and at subsequent meetings of the SFAB-DFO Regulatory Working Group. The SFAB has expressed support for these regulatory amendments.
Environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs)
A letter was sent to ENGOs in spring of 2024, including the Sierra Club, David Suzuki Foundation, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation. No feedback was received.
Indigenous engagement, consultation and modern treaty obligations
First Nation consultation/engagement
Consultation with First Nations occurred in winter 2023 to spring 2024 at aggregate forums including the Fraser Salmon Management Council (FSMC), Fraser Salmon Technical Forum and the Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance (LFFA). In addition, feedback was sought at the Uu-a-thluk/DFO Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG). Uu-a-thluk is an aquatic resource management organization administered through the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council (NTC). It is funded through a contribution agreement with DFO and works within the policies and practices of the NTC.
A letter to coastal and some inland First Nations in B.C. was sent out in April 2024 requesting feedback via email. Written responses were received from a number of Nations, including Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, Maa-nulth Treaty Society, Island Marine Aquatic Working Group, Q’ul-lhanumutsun Aquatic Resources Society, and Cowichan Tribes, and meetings were held upon request with Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance, and Beecher Bay First Nation.
In total, DFO consulted with a dozen different fishery advisory committees or working groups on the proposed amendments to solicit their input. As these measures are largely aligned with existing requirements implemented through conditions of licence and provide more flexibility for DFO fisheries management, the feedback was limited, but generally supportive of these amendments. Much of the feedback received through letters and meetings was around broader recreational fisheries management approaches and future work.
Modern treaty obligations
As per the 2015 Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation, an assessment was conducted on the proposal to amend the BCSFR. DFO identified specific consultation obligations under the Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement, Tla’amin Final Agreement, the Nisga’a Final Agreement and the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement. The assessment concluded that implementation of this proposal will likely not have an impact on the rights, interests and/or self-government provisions of treaty partners in B.C. Harvesting rights of Indigenous beneficiaries will not be impacted and Indigenous persons fishing under the authority of a licence issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licences Regulations or other authorization are excluded from the restrictions set out in the BCSFR. DFO is committed to meaningful consultation with all treaty partners in B.C.
Instrument choice
No other policy instruments, outside of the proposed amendments to the BCSFR, were deemed appropriate to achieve the intended outcome.
Many of the proposed amendments were previously managed as conditions of licence issued as specific requirements printed directly on the fishing licence that must be followed by the recreational licence holder to operate legally. However, since these conditions of licence are long-standing and now considered permanent management measures by DFO fisheries management, shifting these conditions of licence into the regulations would provide certainty that they would be part of the tidal waters recreational fishing regime in the long-term.
Regulatory analysis
The impacts of the proposed amendments are framed around the concepts of costs and benefits analysis. Incremental impacts are assessed qualitatively by comparing a baseline scenario with the proposed amendments.
Benefits and costs
Baseline and regulatory scenario
Under the baseline scenario, the BCSFR along with long-standing conditions of licence regulate different aspects of recreational fishing activities in B.C. Moreover, as outlined in the Description section, under the baseline scenario, some species are managed under a general category, and some definitions are outdated.
The regulatory scenario would bring some of the long-standing conditions of licence into the regulations. Further, species that were managed at the family level or under a more general category would be managed at the species level to allow for species-specific management measures. Finally, outdated definitions and descriptions would be updated to reflect current gear, methods, and requirements. There would also be an updated definition of the Skeena River boundaries to reflect the river’s current morphology.
Incremental costs
Incorporating the long-standing conditions of licence into the regulations would not result in any incremental costs as recreational fishers have already been complying with existing conditions of licence. Further, the addition of species under the BCSFR schedules is not anticipated to result in any significant incremental costs. These species are already being regulated at the family or broader level in the BCSFR. In cases where quota changes are proposed, the costs associated with potentially foregone recreational opportunities are anticipated to be negligible.
The implementation costs for the proposed package are minimal given that many of these provisions are already implemented through conditions of licence.
Amendments to the definitions listed above would not result in any incremental costs as the proposed definitions reflect fishing gear and methods that are currently employed and the current morphology of the Skeena River.
Incremental benefits
The proposed amendments would allow for a more responsive management of recreational fisheries in B.C.’s waters. Migrating long-standing conditions of licence to regulations would provide more flexibility for adapting to in-season changes, allowing for a more timely and responsive management regime of fisheries. Furthermore, managing relevant recreational fisheries at the species-level would help improve the management and protection of specific species. Finally, the proposed amendments to the definitions would improve clarity around requirements for gear and location for both recreational fishers and enforcement personnel.
Small business lens
The proposed amendments would only impact individuals who engage in recreational fishing in B.C. Therefore, there would be no impacts on small businesses.
One-for-one rule
The proposed amendments apply to individual recreational fishers in the waters of B.C., and do not include any new administrative requirements for businesses in Canada. Therefore, no administrative costs would be incurred.
Regulatory cooperation and alignment
In Canada, the management of fisheries in tidal waters is the responsibility of the federal government. In B.C., the federal government also manages salmon everywhere they are found — in both tidal and non-tidal environments. In non-tidal waters of B.C., there is shared responsibility between the federal government and the provincial government. The government of B.C. uses the BCSFR and the Wildlife Act to manage recreational fisheries in non-tidal waters. DFO has continued to engage B.C. throughout the development of the regulatory amendments where there are potential impacts to non-tidal waters fisheries management.
International obligations
The proposed recording requirements for Pacific halibut would help Canada meet its requirement to observe Total Allowable Catch set annually by the International Pacific Halibut Commission, while maximizing fishing opportunities for as many harvesters as possible. All the amendments targeting Pacific halibut are compliant with the Convention between Canada and the United States of America for the Preservation of the Pacific Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. Having pectoral length measurements in the regulations will support recreational fishers’ participation in the Salmon Head Recovery Program, which supports assessments of stock levels for coho and Chinook salmon and is one of Canada’s obligations under the Pacific Salmon Treaty with the United States. All other proposed amendments are compliant with our international trade obligations.
Effects on the environment
In accordance with the Cabinet Directive on Strategic Environmental and Economic Assessment, a preliminary scan concluded that a strategic environmental assessment is not required.
Gender-based analysis plus
People of all sexes, genders, races, age, family status, employment status, education, income level, language and geographic location may choose to participate in recreational fishing. The majority of people likely to be affected by this proposal are male due to higher participation rates in recreational fishing. However, it is not expected to negatively impact any particular demographic group, including males, as many of the proposed amendments are bringing into the BCSFR existing requirements that fishers must comply with under their conditions of licence.
Implementation, compliance and enforcement, and service standards
Implementation
As this batch of amendments would largely align with existing requirements implemented through conditions of licence and provide more management flexibility for DFO fisheries management, resources to implement will likely be minimal. Communication for effective implementation will occur through the SFAB, the B.C. Sport Fishing Guide, Fisheries Notices and engagement with the Province of B.C.
Having these measures in regulation provides a timelier ability to manage the fishery in season for the benefit of the resource and potentially creating additional opportunities for recreational fishers. This can be done using existing provisions of the Fisheries Act and its regulations where changes can be made utilizing variation orders. This tool allows the Minister’s delegated authority to vary existing established regulations for more effective management of the fishery. These varied provisions are then communicated to the public by posting the changes to the DFO website and through the publication of fishery notices.
Compliance and enforcement
With the implementation of the proposed amendments, a communication plan will be created geared to the public with updated information to ensure broad understanding of the changes that would come into effect. Strategic partners will be advised of the amendments and provided with the required information.
Amendments to the Contraventions Regulations would be proposed at a later time to allow minor violations of the proposed provisions to be ticketable rather than involve the courts. DFO will work with the Department of Justice to seek amendments to the Contraventions Regulations (CR) in order to enable the issuance of tickets for violations of relevant BCSFR provisions under the CR. As part of this collaboration, DFO may propose rescoping certain fine amounts to better reflect their impact on B.C. recreational fisheries.
The Federal Government initiated a move to decriminalize regulatory offences. The advent of violations under the Contraventions Act allows for a provincial ticketing regime that aligns with the enforcement of regulatory infractions.
Contact
Glen Lehtovaara
Chief
Policy and Regulations
Conservation and Protection, Pacific Region
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
401 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 3S4
Email: DFO.RPACCPPRD-DPRCPPACR.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
PROPOSED REGULATORY TEXT
Notice is given that the Governor in Council proposes to make the annexed Regulations Amending the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 under section 43footnote a of the Fisheries Act footnote b.
Interested persons may make representations concerning the proposed Regulations within 30 days after the date of publication of this notice. They are strongly encouraged to use the online commenting feature that is available on the Canada Gazette website but if they use email, mail or any other means, the representations should cite the Canada Gazette, Part I, and the date of publication of this notice, and be sent to Glen Lehtovaara, Chief, Policy and Regulations, Conservation and Protection, Pacific Region, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 401 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3S4 (email: DFO.RPACCPPRD-DPRCPPACR.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca).
Ottawa, June 19, 2026
Janna Rinaldi
Assistant Clerk of the Privy Council
Regulations Amending the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996
Amendments
1 (1) The definitions fly fishing and overall length in subsection 2(1) of the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 footnote 1 are replaced by the following:
- fly fishing
- means fishing with a fly rod and fly line combination to which only an artificial fly is attached, without using casting rods or reels, spinning or spincast reels or external floats or weights. (pĂŞche Ă la mouche)
- overall length
- means
- (a) with respect to halibut, the distance measured from the foremost end of the lower lip to the extreme end of the middle of the tail;
- (b) with respect to any other fin fish, the distance measured from the tip of the nose to the fork of the tail or, if there is no fork, to the extreme end of the middle of the tail; and
- (c) with respect to crayfish, the distance measured from the tip of the rostrum to the tip of tail. (longueur totale)
(2) Paragraph (a) of the definition artificial fly in subsection 2(1) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:
- (a) in non-tidal waters, a single-pointed hook that is dressed only with fur, feathers, hair, textiles, tinsel, wire or any combination of those materials and to which no external weight or external attracting device — such as a molded weight, weighted jig head, spinner, spoon or similar device — is attached; and
(3) Subsection 2(1) of the Regulations is amended by adding the following in alphabetical order:
- artificial lure
- means a manufactured article that has one or more hooks and is designed to attract fish without the use of scent or flavouring. (appât artificiel)
- pectoral length,
- with respect to a fin fish, means the distance measured from the base of the pectoral fin at its most forward point to the fork of the tail or, if there is no fork, to the extreme end of the middle of the tail. (longueur pectorale)
2 Subsection 13(2) of the Regulations is repealed.
3 Section 14 of the Regulations is repealed.
4 Section 22 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:
22 A licence holder who catches and retains a lingcod, halibut or chinook salmon shall immediately record the catch on the licence or in a catch registry kept by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
5 The Regulations are amended by adding the following after section 22.1:
Descending Device
22.2 (1) No person shall engage in angling from a vessel that is not equipped with a descending device.
(2) Rockfish that are not being retained shall be released immediately, by the use of a descending device, at a water depth that is similar to the one at which they were caught.
(3) For the purposes of this section, descending device means an instrument that is capable of releasing a fish at the intended water depth.
6 The heading of Part II of the Regulations is replaced by the following:
Fishing for Fin Fish Other than Salmon and Halibut in Tidal Waters
7 Section 23 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:
23 This Part applies to fishing for fin fish other than salmon and halibut in tidal waters.
8 (1) Paragraph 26(a) of the French version of the Regulations is replaced by the following:
- a) au total, plus de quatre truites sauvages et truites d’élevage, dans tout sous-secteur;
(2) Section 26 of the Regulations is amended by striking out “or” at the end of paragraph (b) and by replacing paragraph (c) with the following:
- (c) three rockfish, in the aggregate; or
- (d) 20 tuna, in the aggregate.
9 Paragraph 29(d) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:
- (d) a lingcod that measures less than 65 cm in overall length or less than 53 cm in pectoral length.
10 The Regulations are amended by adding the following after section 32:
PART II.1
Fishing for Halibut in Tidal Waters
Application
32.1 This Part applies to fishing for halibut in tidal waters.
Close Times
32.2 No person shall fish for halibut with a type of gear or by a method set out in column 4 of Schedule IV.1 in any Subarea during the close time set out in column 5.
Quotas
32.3 (1) No person shall catch and retain in a year more than 10 halibut.
(2) No person shall catch and retain in a day
- (a) more halibut of an overall length set out in column 1 of Schedule IV.1 or pectoral length set out in column 2 than the daily quota set out in column 3; and
- (b) more than two halibut, in the aggregate, from all Subareas.
Possession
32.4 No person shall possess more than three halibut, except at the person’s ordinary residence.
32.5 No person on board a vessel shall possess any halibut taken by sport fishing if there are any other fish on board the vessel that are destined for sale, trade or barter.
Gear Restrictions
32.6 No person shall fish for halibut other than with a type of gear or by a method set out in column 4 of Schedule IV.1.
11 Subsection 37(1) of the Regulations is amended by striking out “or” at the end of paragraph (b) and by adding the following after paragraph (c):
- (d) a Manila clam that measures less than 35 mm in a straight line through the greatest breadth of the shell;
- (e) a littleneck clam that measures less than 35 mm in a straight line through the greatest breadth of the shell; or
- (f) a butter clam that measures less than 55 mm in a straight line through the greatest breadth of the shell.
12 Section 43 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:
43 No person shall fish for salmon of a species set out in column 1 of Schedule VI, in any Subarea, lake or stream, during the close time set out in column 7.
13 Section 44 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:
44 No person shall catch and retain in a day more salmon of a species set out in column 1 of Schedule VI that is of an overall length set out in column 4 or pectoral length set out in column 5 in any Subarea, lake or stream, than the daily quota set out in column 6.
14 Subsection 45(1) of the Regulations is replaced by the following:
45 (1) No person shall catch and retain in a day, in any Subarea, lake or stream, more than
- (a) four hatchery chinook salmon and wild chinook salmon, in the aggregate, that measure 50 cm or less in overall length or 41 cm or less in pectoral length;
- (b) two hatchery chinook salmon and wild chinook salmon, in the aggregate, that measure more than 50 cm in overall length or more than 41 cm in pectoral length;
- (c) four hatchery chinook salmon and wild chinook salmon, in the aggregate;
- (d) four hatchery coho salmon and wild coho salmon, in the aggregate, that measure 35 cm or less in overall length or 29 cm or less in pectoral length;
- (e) two hatchery coho salmon and wild coho salmon, in the aggregate, that measure more than 35 cm in overall length or more than 29 cm in pectoral length; or
- (f) four hatchery coho salmon and wild coho salmon, in the aggregate.
15 Section 48 of the Regulations is replaced by the following:
48 No person shall catch and retain a salmon of a species set out in column 1 of Schedule VI, in any Subarea, lake or stream, whose overall length is less than the minimum overall length set out in column 2 or whose pectoral length is less than the minimum pectoral length set out in column 3.
| Column I Common Name |
Column II Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Yelloweye rockfish | Sebastes ruberrimus |
| Column I Common Name |
Column II Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Clam | |
| (1) Butter | (1) Saxidomus giganteus |
| (2) Cockle | (2) Clinocardium nuttali |
| (3) Geoduck | (3) Panopea generosa |
| (4) Horse | (4) Any species of Tresus |
| (5) Littleneck | (5) Protothaca staminea |
| (6) Manila | (6) Tapes philippinarum |
| (7) Razor | (7) Siliqua patula |
| (8) Softshell | (8) Mya arenaria |
| (9) Varnish | (9) Nuttallia obscurata |
| Column I Common Name |
Column II Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Rockfish | Any species of Scorpaenidae |
| (1) Black | (1) Sebastes melanops |
| (2) Bocaccio | (2) Sebastes paucispinis |
| (3) Canary | (3) Sebastes pinniger |
| (4) China | (4) Sebastes nebulosus |
| (5) Copper | (5) Sebastes caurinus |
| (6) Quillback | (6) Sebastes maliger |
| (7) Redbanded | (7) Sebastes babcocki |
| (8) Tiger | (8) Sebastes nigrocinctus |
| (9) Vermilion | (9) Sebastes miniatus |
| (10) Yelloweye | (10) Sebastes ruberrimus |
| Column I Common Name |
Column II Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Squid | Teuthoidea |
| (1) Humboldt | (1) Dosidicus gigas |
| (2) Opal | (2) Loligo opalescens |
| Column I Common Name |
Column II Scientific Name |
|---|---|
| Tuna | |
| (1) Albacore | (1) Thunnus alalunga |
| (2) Bigeye | (2) Thunnus obesus |
| (3) Pacific bluefin | (3) Thunnus orientalis |
| (4) Pacific bonito | (4) Sarda chiliensis |
| (5) Skipjack | (5) Katsuwonus pelamis |
| (6) Yellowfin | (6) Thunnus albacares |
| (7) Yellowtail amberjack | (7) Seriola lalandi |
| Colonne I Nom commun |
Colonne II Nom scientifique |
|---|---|
| Calmar | Teuthoidea |
| (1) de Humboldt | (1) Dosidicus gigas |
| (2) opale | (2) Loligo opalescens |
| Colonne I Nom commun |
Colonne II Nom scientifique |
|---|---|
| Coquillage | |
| (1) asari | (1) Tapes philippinarum |
| (2) coque | (2) Clinocardium nuttali |
| (3) couteau | (3) Siliqua patula |
| (4) fausse-mactre | (4) Toutes les espèces de la famille de Tresus |
| (5) mye | (5) Mya arenaria |
| (6) palourde jaune | (6) Saxidomus giganteus |
| (7) palourde lustrée | (7) Nuttallia obscurata |
| (8) panope du Pacifique | (8) Panopea generosa |
| (9) quahaug commune | (9) Protothaca staminea |
| Colonne I Nom commun |
Colonne II Nom scientifique |
|---|---|
| Scorpène | Toutes les espèces de la famille de Scorpaenidae |
| (1) sébaste à bandes jaunes | (1) Sebastes nebulosus |
| (2) sébaste à bandes rouges | (2) Sebastes babcocki |
| (3) sébaste à dos épineux | (3) Sebastes maliger |
| (4) sébaste aux yeux jaunes | (4) Sebastes ruberrimus |
| (5) sébaste bocaccio | (5) Sebastes paucispinis |
| (6) sébaste canari | (6) Sebastes pinniger |
| (7) sébaste cuivré | (7) Sebastes caurinus |
| (8) sébaste noir | (8) Sebastes melanops |
| (9) sébaste-tigre | (9) Sebastes nigrocinctus |
| (10) sébaste vermillon | (10) Sebastes miniatus |
| Thonidé | |
| (1) albacore | (1) Thunnus albacares |
| (2) bonite à ventre rayé | (2) Katsuwonus pelamis |
| (3) bonite du Pacifique | (3) Sarda chiliensis |
| (4) sériole | (4) Seriola lalandi |
| (5) thon blanc du Pacifique | (5) Thunnus alalunga |
| (6) thon obèse | (6) Thunnus obesus |
| (7) thon rouge du Pacifique | (7) Thunnus orientalis |
| Item | Column I Waters |
|---|---|
| 8 | Skeena River and Kispiox River within an area bounded by four fishing boundary signs posted at the mouth of Kispiox River |
25 The title of Schedule IV to the Regulations is replaced by the following:
Gear, Close Times and Quotas for Fin Fish Other than Salmon and Halibut in Tidal Waters
26 Item 4 of Schedule IV to the Regulations is repealed.
| Item | Column I Species |
Column II Daily Quota |
Column III Type of Gear or Method |
Column IV Close Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Rockfish | |||
| (1) Black | 3 |
|
|
|
| (2) Bocaccio | 3 |
|
|
|
| (3) Canary | 3 |
|
|
|
| (4) China | 3 |
|
|
|
| (5) Copper | 3 |
|
|
|
| (6) Quillback | 3 |
|
|
|
| (7) Redbanded | 3 |
|
|
|
| (8) Tiger | 3 |
|
|
|
| (9) Vermilion | 3 |
|
|
|
| (10) Yelloweye | 2 |
|
|
|
| (11) Any species of rockfish not referred to in subitems (1) to (10) | 3 |
|
|
|
| Item | Column I Species |
Column II Daily Quota |
Column III Type of Gear or Method |
Column IV Close Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Tuna | |||
| (1) Albacore | 20 | Angling | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 | |
| (2) Bigeye | 20 | Angling | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 | |
| (3) Pacific bluefin | 20 | Angling | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 | |
| (4) Pacific bonito | 20 | Angling | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 | |
| (5) Skipjack | 20 | Angling | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 | |
| (6) Yellowfin | 20 | Angling | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 | |
| (7) Yellowtail amberjack | 20 | Angling | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 | |
| (8) Any species of tuna not referred to in subitems (1) to (7) | 20 | Angling | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 | |
| Item | Column I Species |
|---|---|
| 21 | Any species of fin fish, other than salmon, halibut and species referred to in items 1 to 20 |
30 The Regulations are amended by adding, after Schedule IV, the Schedule IV.1 set out in Schedule 1 to these Regulations.
| Item | Column I Species |
Column II Daily Quota |
Column III Type of Gear or Method |
Column IV Close Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | (9) Varnish | (9) 75 | (9) Hand picking or hand digging | (9) From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 |
| Item | Column I Species |
Column II Daily Quota |
Column III Type of Gear or Method |
Column IV Close Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Squid | |||
| (1) Humboldt | (1) 20 |
|
|
|
| (2) Opal | (2) 200 |
|
|
|
| (3) Any species of squid not referred to in subitems (1) and (2) | (3) 200 |
|
|
|
33 Schedule VI to the Regulations is replaced by the Schedule VI set out in Schedule 2 to these Regulations.
Coming into Force
34 These Regulations come into force on the day on which they are registered.
SCHEDULE 1
(Section 30)
SCHEDULE IV.1
(Sections 32.2 to 32.4)
| Item | Column 1 Overall Length |
Column 2 Pectoral Length |
Column 3 Daily Quota |
Column 4 Type of Gear or Method |
Column 5 Close Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 90 cm or less | 69 cm or less | 2 |
|
|
| 2 | More than 90 cm but less than 126 cm | More than 69 cm but less than 97 cm | 2 |
|
|
| 3 | 126 cm or more | 97 cm or more | 1 |
|
|
SCHEDULE 2
(Section 33)
SCHEDULE VI
(Sections 43, 44 and 48)
| Item | Column 1 Species |
Column 2 Minimum Overall Length |
Column 3 Minimum Pectoral Length |
Column 4 Overall Length |
Column 5 Pectoral Length |
Column 6 Daily Quotas |
Column 7 Close Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hatchery chinook salmon | 45 cm | 37 cm |
|
|
|
|
| 2 | Wild chinook salmon | 45 cm | 37 cm |
|
|
|
|
| 3 | Hatchery coho salmon | 30 cm | 26 cm |
|
|
|
|
| 4 | Wild coho salmon | 30 cm | 26 cm |
|
|
|
|
| 5 | Sockeye salmon | 30 cm | N/A | 30 cm or more | N/A | 4 | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 |
| 6 | Pink salmon | 30 cm | N/A | 30 cm or more | N/A | 4 | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 |
| 7 | Chum salmon | 30 cm | N/A | 30 cm or more | N/A | 4 | From 23:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs on December 31 |
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