British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 (Fisheries Management Adjustments)

Enabling act: Fisheries Act

Description of the objective

A broad review of sport fishing regulations was announced in 2021 as part of the Harvest Transformation pillar of the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI). This is the first of three phases to renew the overall management of the recreational fisheries in tidal and non-tidal waters of British Columbia. The proposed Regulations would:

• Integrate several conditions of licences into the Regulations to provide the flexibility required to respond to local circumstances
• Add species of fin fish, clams, and squid to the Regulations to enable the creation of species-specific restrictions
• Modernize certain definitions to reflect current fishing technology and clarify the Regulations

Subsequent phases will focus on fishing gear and monitoring requirements as well as  the licensing of tidal water fishing guides in the recreational fishery.

Indication of business impacts

There may be business impacts. The “One-for-One” Rule and/or Small Business Lens may apply.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is collaborating with the Province of British Columbia as some changes would affect non-tidal fisheries which are enforced by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.

Public consultation opportunities

The Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB) is a recognized forum for consultation with recreational fishers in British Columbia.  The SFAB meets twice a year; once in the spring and once in the fall. The proposed changes are a regular agenda item at SFAB biannual meetings and were consulted on March 25, 2023 as well as at other past meetings. Meetings were also planned for March 21-22, 2024.

Other engagement efforts are expected to take place in 2024.

Departmental contact

Glen Lehtovaara
Chief of Regulations, Pacific Region
Telephone:  250-895-0641
E-mail:  glen.lehtovaara@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan: 2024

For more information

• Government-Wide Forward Regulatory Plans
• The Cabinet Directive on Regulation
• Developing and improving federal regulations

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit the Canada Gazette and Consulting with Canadians websites.