Government of Canada Proposes Improvement to Commercial Fishing Licence Categories in B.C.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - July 22, 2015) - The Honourable John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, and the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced the Government's intent to pursue an amendment to the Pacific Fishery Regulations, 1993, to create separate commercial fishing licence categories for tuna, lingcod and dogfish. These species, along with Pacific cod, sole and flounder, skate, sturgeon and smelt, are currently grouped together as "Schedule II species" under Schedule II, Part II of the Pacific Fishery Regulations.

The amendment proposes to remove tuna, lingcod and dogfish from Schedule II, Part II of the Pacific Fishery Regulations and create separate licences for these fisheries. No new access or changes in allocation will result from this administrative change, which is expected to create a more efficient licensing process for commercial fishers and support sustainable management of the fisheries for these species. Over the next two years, the Department will consult with First Nations and affected stakeholders on the development of a new regulatory proposal.

Quick Facts

• Tuna, lingcod and dogfish are the only major fisheries in B.C. that do not have their own separate licence category.
• The administrative change to create separate licences is expected to improve management of the three fisheries. The other Schedule II, Part II species would not be affected by the amendment.
• The licensing amendment is expected to benefit current licence holders, as it will be easier and more efficient to apply for or renew a commercial fishing licence.
• All commercial licence holders with current access to these three species under their existing licence conditions will be eligible to apply for and acquire the new licences.
• The amendment is anticipated to come into effect in the next two or three years.

Quotes

• "Fisheries and Oceans Canada is responsible for developing and maintaining an effective and efficient regulatory framework for Canadian fisheries. This proposed regulatory amendment would enable a more efficient licensing process for commercial harvesters, helping to ensure sustainability of these fisheries."

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

• "Our Government is committed to supporting the sustainability and the economic viability of the Pacific fishery through appropriate regulations that work for fishermen. I look forward to the upcoming consultations with First Nations and stakeholders as this regulatory proposal is developed."

The Honourable John Duncan, MP for Vancouver Island North

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

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