Rockfish and Lingcod populations were heavily overfished by the commercial fishing industry, causing a dramatic depletion of abundance throughout BC. In response, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) implemented several fishing regulations in an effort to recover and conserve these species. Within Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound and Burrard Inlet, it is illegal to retain any species of Rockfish or Lingcod and within Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs), all hook and line fishing is banned. More information on regulations can be found here.

Compliance with these fishing regulations is one of the most important aspects of species and habitat recovery. Despite this, illegal fishing, or poaching, is widely observed by MLSS BC and external scientists (see Haggerty et al., 2016), severely hindering the recovery of both Lingcod and Rockfish. In fact, it has been observed that RCAs have been largely ineffective, with minimal to no change in Rockfish or Lingcod abundance being observed despite these areas being in place since 2007.

In order to give our Rockfish and Lingcod populations a chance to recover it is critical to report any illegal fishing, pollution, or other harmful activities in our oceans. If you observe any of these violations please contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Where possible please provide location of infraction, description of vessel or fishing gear as this will help document the incident. Photos and video can be emailed to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Report the violation, as soon as possible. Call:

Greater Vancouver Area 604. 607. 4186
Rest of BC 1. 800. 465. 4336 (DFO Observe, Record and Report toll free number)
1. 877. 952. RAPP (7277) (BC Ministry of Environment Report All Poaching and Polluting (RAPP) line)
BC Wildlife Federation 1. 888. 881. 2293