Fisheries and aquaculture

The marine fisheries, aquaculture and seafood sectors are important contributors to the provincial economy and are the foundation for many coastal communities. The B.C. government leads the provincial policy and initiatives related to the following activities:

Wild Salmon Advisory Council 

In June 2018, the Wild Salmon Advisory Council (WSAC) was formed, a multi-stakeholder advisory council that contributed to the development of a strategy to support restoring healthy and abundant wild salmon stocks in B.C.

Following extensive discussions and a period of public engagement, the WSAC provided several strategic recommendations to the Province in the spring of 2019. The WSAC suggested that a shared vision for wild salmon should focus on improving marine and freshwater ecosystems in B.C. and encouraging benefits to coastal community economies.

In August 2020, B.C. released an update on provincial actions taken to address the recommendations in the WSAC report:

• Read more about B.C.’s actions to address the recommendations of the WSAC report (PDF, 670KB)
• Read the WSAC recommendations for a Made-in-B.C. Wild Salmon Strategy (PDF, 793KB)

Aquaculture

B.C.’s coastline is ideal for aquaculture because of its climate, water quality and sheltered bays. The three main groups of species currently cultured in our waters include salmon and other finfish, shellfish and marine plants.

Learn more about aquaculture in B.C.

Read more about fish health and fish health reports.

Marine commercial fisheries

British Columbia has a diverse seafood industry with marine fisheries providing enhanced social and economic benefits through responsible management practices that protect the environment and maintain viable healthy fish stocks. B.C. is committed to ensuring that the conservation of the resource will be the basis of sustainable fisheries and seafood supply. Learn about commercial fisheries in B.C.

Fish and seafood processing

Seafood product preparation and packaging is a component of the provincial food and beverage manufacturing sector. The province issues licences, conducts inspections and collects statistics for this important sector. Learn about fish and seafood processing in B.C.

Recreational fishing (sport fishing)

British Columbia is said to be home to some of the best sport fishing opportunities, in one of the most spectacular natural environments, in the world. The recreational fishery is based on expectation and opportunity of fishing, and is part of the broad outdoor recreational experience. Learn about recreational fishing in B.C.

Seafood industry licensing

Find out which activities within the seafood industry have specific licensing requirements:

• Seafood industry licensing
• Fish and Seafood Act (January 1, 2017)

Sustainable seafood

Food safety, traceability and sustainability practices are the cornerstones of the B.C. seafood sector.  Learn more about B.C.'s international reputation for safe, reliable and top-quality seafood products:

• Sustainable seafood
• Seafood stewardship certifications

Education and training

Education and skills training requirements in the diverse B.C. fisheries and aquaculture sector range from basic fish biology and water quality testing and system designs for fish farms, to marine vessel operation and safety and diver training. Locate a post secondary program or training course.

Advisory council on finfish aquaculture

The B.C. Agrifood and Seafood Strategic Growth Plan includes a commitment to examine the rules and restrictions that guide the application and approval process to ensure that aquaculture operations are socially and ecologically sustainable and can co-exist with B.C.’s wild fishery resource, by forming a time-limited Minister of Agriculture’s Advisory Council on Finfish Aquaculture. Learn about the Minister's Agriculture's Advisory Council on Finfish Aquaculture.