Commercial fisheries
Last updated on February 9, 2023Commercial fisheries are a significant contributor to the provincial economy and the social fabric of numerous coastal communities. This industry includes the commercial harvesting of more than 80 different species of finfish, shellfish, and marine plants from both freshwater and marine environments.
Jurisdiction
Federal and provincial jurisdiction over fisheries is complex, and often referred to as mixed.
The federal government has primary jurisdictional responsibility for conservation and management of the fisheries resource. As a result of various administrative and regulatory initiatives, Canada has delegated some responsibilities for recreational and commercial fisheries to B.C.
Due to the shared responsibility over fisheries management, the two levels of government have entered into various formal and informal agreements to promote cooperation and coordination in the delivery of our respective mandates.
- Find out how the Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada (DFO) manages fisheries
- Apply for a commercial fisheries licence from DFO
Aquatic plant harvesting
The goal of British Columbia’s aquatic plant management strategy is to take advantage of the economic benefits of aquatic plants while not compromising the marine environment.
In July of 2008, the provincial government committed to help B.C.’s commercial fisheries obtain certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).