The Fishery
BC Trawl Groundfish
The BC Trawl Groundfish fishery is a diverse and complex multispecies fishery that harvests more than 60 different species of groundfish along the coast of British Columbia. Operating year-round, the fishery provides fresh, high-quality seafood to both local and international markets. It is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with stringent conservation measures in place to ensure the long-term health of fish populations and marine ecosystems. The fishery has made great strides since its start in the 1940s, setting the standard for fisheries accountability.
Hello
Our Journey
Key Moments in Our History
Explore our major milestones that shaped our fishery today. From minimal regulations to significant sustainability achievements, each event tells a part of our story.
1940s
Fishery Begins - Foreign fleets (Russia, Poland, Japan, Canada) operate with minimal regulation.
1976
Canada Establishes Exclusive Economi Zone. A 200-nautical-mile zone created, phasing out foreign fleets.
1995
Fleet Shutdown. Complete closure due to persistent conservation concerns.
1996
Fishery Reopens. New monitoring and accountability measures introduced.
2010
Pacific Hake mid-water trawl gained Marine Stewardship Council certification for sustainability.
2012
Award winning trawl footprint implemented setting the global standard for habitat protection.
2025
Marine Stewardship Council certification for sustainability in assessment.
The BC Trawl Groundfish Fishery has evolved from its beginnings in the 1940s, to one of Canada’s most structured and scientifically managed fisheries.
Milestones in Sustainability
The timeline highlights key moments that shaped the fishery into a more sustainable and accountable industry for future generations. From its unregulated origins in the 1940s to the introduction of Canada’s 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone in 1976, the fishery underwent major regulatory reforms aimed at sustainability. The 1995-96 fleet shutdown marks a critical intervention to combat overfishing, ushering in stronger monitoring and long-term management.
Modern Management & Accountability:
In response to growing conservation concerns and persistent overharvesting, the groundfish trawl fishery was allowed to reopen under a new and much stricter management framework. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), in collaboration with the Groundfish Trawl Advisory Committee (GTAC) and the Groundfish Special Industry Committee (GSIC), designed and implemented the Individual Vessel Quota (IVQ) and Groundfish Development Quota (GDQ) program. This system was intended to modernize the fishery, introduce robust catch control mechanisms, and enhance individual accountability while promoting sustainable harvest practices.
Individual Vessel Quotas
Our mission is to promote sustainable fishing through the implementation of the IVQ and GDQ programs. These initiatives enhance accountability in the fisheries sector, aiming for a balance between ecological health and economic growth.
100% At-Sea Monitoring
Together with DFO, GTAC, and GSIC, we are committed to designing a management system that prioritizes sustainability. This collaborative effort ensures effective implementation and oversight, fostering better fisheries practices.
100% Dockside Monitoring
The IVQ and GDQ programs provide a framework for sustainable harvesting, helping fishers adhere to responsible practices. These systems not only support marine life but also ensure long-term benefits for the fishing community.
The Fishery Today
Today, the BC Trawl Groundfish fishery is one of seven commercial groundfish sectors managed by DFO. All sectors are managed under a single, integrated plan that includes 100% at-sea monitoring, 100% dockside monitoring, and individual accountability for all retained and released catch under an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system. Catch logbooks and bycatch reports are reviewed and verified by a third-party validator, Archipelago Marine Research Ltd.
Vessel sizes in the BC Trawl Groundfish fishery range from approximately 50 to 200 feet and fall into two main categories. Wet boats, typically 65 to 80 ft long, deliver fresh fish to shore-based processors and usually operate with a crew of four, including the captain. Freezer boats are 130 ft or longer and are equipped to freeze and catch onboard, often carrying a crew of 20 or more, the majority of whom work in fish handling.
All at-sea and dockside data are integrated to determine total catch weights by stock, including both retained and released fish. These amounts are deducted from each vessel’s IVQ allocation. If a vessel exceeds its quota, it must transfer quota from another vessel to stay in compliance, or else the vessel must stop fishing until the overage can be reconciled against the next year’s allocation. This quota-based system is highly complex and requires ongoing flexibility and coordination.
Over 4,000 quota transfers occur annually between vessels to cover bycatch and quota overages. Vessels must collaborate with each other to ensure quota is moved efficiently. This collective approach enables the fleet to keep fishing while staying within sustainable limits. The fishery has come a long way since its start, by championing responsible fisheries management, promoting collaboration with other fishing organizations, and driving industry innovation the BC Trawl Groundfish industry continues to modernize and lead by example.
