Conservation and Protection - Pacific Region

Conservation and Protection

Overview

The enforcement policy and activities of the Department are the responsibility of the Conservation and Protection (C&P) directorate within fisheries management. Fishery officers, marine enforcement officers, and Aboriginal fishery guardians working throughout Pacific Region carry out enforcement activities. Observers, designated by the Department, complement enforcement staff by performing a monitoring, verification and sampling function.

There are approximately 170 fishery officers located throughout the Pacific Region, which encompasses the province of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. Approximately 30 officers are in the north coast Areas 1 to 6. They are designated as "fishery officers" under section 5 of the Fisheries Act and have full enforcement powers and responsibilities outlined in the Act, The Criminal Code of Canada and the Constitution Act.

Marine enforcement officers also carry "fishery officer" designation and have the same powers and responsibilities as fishery officers. They work from Canadian Coast Guard vessels and are trained in enforcement duties.

Charter patrolmen who are employed by the Department under a vessel charter contract hold the "fishery inspector" designation. Their primary duty is to carry out observe, record and report activities.

Aboriginal fishery guardians are employed by their First Nations administration and wear that group’s uniform. They are tasked with enforcement of the Aboriginal fishery for their First Nation fishery. Aboriginal fishery guardians may assist Department fishery officers in enforcement activities outside the Aboriginal fishery, depending on their level of training and the agreement between the First Nation and the Department.