Apply for a scientific fish collection permit

Review the following documents before you start your application:

• Scientific Fish Collection Permits Letter (PDF, 145KB)
• Application Guidelines for Scientific Fish Collection Permits (PDF, 685KB)

Additional resources:

• Angling and Scientific Collection Regulation
• Guidelines for the Capture, Handling, Scientific Study and Salvage of the Nooksack Dace (PDF, 1.2MB)
• Guidelines for the Capture, Handling, Scientific Study and Salvage of the Salish Sucker (PDF, 5MB)
• Stickleback Species Sampling Guidelines

• Full names of additional authorized persons qualified to conduct work under this permit
• Describe and answer questions about the sampling program that will be used including the start and end dates of the sampling period
• Identify the sampling locations listed in the application (MOE region, waterbody, watershed code, etc.)
• Provide a clear description of the project and project area which should include the project rationale and methodologies
• Indicate which sampling techniques will be used
  • Note: Gill netting is considered to be a lethal sampling technique. Please be aware of this as you complete your application form
  • If you are using any lethal sampling or tagging and marking techniques, note that you will be required to provide additional information, including the number of fish affected as well as the waterbody in which the sampling will take place
• Identify the species of fish being sampled by both their common and scientific names
• Federal scientific licences if applying for salmon species. Provincial permits do not include salmon. Including salmon will increase the processing time for the permit as it will be sent back for changes

Ensure you review and understand the reporting requirements.

Multiple waters or extended time period notification requirements

This notification process is to be used only for scientific fish collection permits previously approved for multiple waters or extended dates. Appendix A, #12 of this permit requires notification no less than 48 hours prior to collection. The requirements for notification are met upon submission of a completed notification form. The thank you notice verifying the information submitted is considered a part of the permit and must be printed and attached to the original scientific fish collection permit.

Scientific fish collection permit summary report

The permittee shall, within 90 days (120 Days for the Kootenay/Boundary region and Peace region) of the expiry of this permit, electronically report fish collection activities following the fish data submission process. This includes following reporting format requirements, minimum data standards, and submitting online Fish Data Submission project information. Interim reports may also be required and shall be submitted in accordance with the permit issuers requirements. Questions regarding the fish data submission process can be made to fishdatasub@gov.bc.ca.

• Licence for introductions and transfers: Required for any movement of live fish into or within B.C. to a fish rearing facility or release into natural waters of B.C.
• KMZ file of map where the work  will be taking place for applications within Region 6 and Region 7, see Commonly Used Spatial File Formats (PDF, 165KB) for more information
• Previous related permit numbers

A BCeID allows you to save, reopen and check the status of your natural resource application: 

• Basic BCeID can be used in a personal capacity
• Business BCeID is used when representing a legal entity 

Once you have assembled the required documents for your application, apply online.

Apply

After you have submitted an application, you can amend or cancel it:

• If you applied with a BCeID, log in to manage your application including updating or cancelling it
• If you applied without a BCeID, log in to update a submitted application or cancel an application