NR-PR-01-075E

August 10, 2001

Vancouver—Fisheries and Oceans Canada would like to remind the public that recreational fishing regulations for harvesting shellfish are in place not only to protect the health of the public but also to protect and preserve the resource for today and for the future.

Shellfish harvesting is a popular activity in the Lower Mainland’s tidal waters. However, harvesting bivalve shellfish in areas that are closed due to sewage contamination or Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP or "red tide") is not only a violation of the Fisheries Act but is also putting one’s health at risk. Shellfish contaminated with shellfish toxin can cause serious illness and cooking does not destroy the PSP toxin. Crab and shrimp are not affected by these kinds of toxins.

As part of their regular duties, fishery officers in the Lower Mainland have been conducting ongoing patrols of the beaches and popular fishing locations to observe fishing activity. Sometimes these patrols are in response to a telephone call from a concerned citizen who has suspected illegal fishing activity. During the past six months, these patrols have encountered more than 425 recreational shellfish harvesting violations in the Lower Mainland alone. Some of the violators were issued tickets, some were given warnings and others were issued appearance notices, based on the illegal activity that was observed at the time. These cases are in various stages of being resolved or have been resolved.

Penalties for recreational shellfish Fisheries Act violations include fishery officer issued tickets with fines ranging between $100 and $1,000 per violation, and court imposed fines ranging between $2,000 to more than $10,000. The court penalty may also include the forfeiture of any catch as well as any equipment used in the harvest of the shellfish, including vehicles and boats.

The most common shellfish regulation violations include:

• Harvesting bivalve shellfish (shellfish with two shells such as clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops) from an area that is closed due to PSP or sewage contamination or due to equipment causing a navigational hazard.
• Possession of undersized crabs.
• Exceeding daily limit or possession limit for crabs, shrimp or clams.
• Harvesting without a licence.
• Selling non-commercially caught shellfish.

It is illegal to sell or attempt to sell shellfish or fish of any species that have not been caught under a commercial fishing licence. Only fish caught under a licence that authorizes sales should be purchased. Fish and shellfish that is being sold to the public must go through the necessary health and safety inspections that are required when selling to the public.

When recreationally harvesting shellfish please remember to:

• Ensure that you have your own Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence with you. Children under 16 require a licence as well, which is free of charge.
• Ensure that the area in which you wish to harvest is safe for fishing. Fishery notices are often posted in the areas that are closed to shellfish harvesting. Check for such notices prior to fishing or call (604) 666-2828 for the latest openings/closures.
• Know the minimum size limits, if there are any, for the species you are collecting.
• Know the daily limits and do not exceed these limits. Ensure shellfish for the future by limiting your catch.
• Handle all fish with care.
• Use the proper equipment.

Some of the areas that experience a variety of illegal activity include Boundary Bay, Burrard Inlet, Centennial Beach, Tsawwassen Ferry Causeway, Roberts Bank coal port, Jericho Beach, Cates Park, Deep Cove, Ambleside, Dundarave, Horseshoe Bay to Porteau Cove, and Howe Sound. Fisheries and Oceans Canada asks that the public report illegal fishing activity in these or any other area by calling the 24-hour, toll-free Observe, Record, Report line at 1-800-465-4336.

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