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2024 Wild Pacific Halibut Season
March 15th - December 7th

1933 Halibut Unloading in Vancouver.jpg

WILD PACIFIC HALIBUT FISHERY

 

Wild Pacific halibut have been commercially harvested off Canada’s west coast since the late 1880s with the fishery playing a vital role in shaping British Columbia’s economy, culture and cuisine. Since then, BC’s halibut fishing families have maintained their steadfast commitment to uphold the wild Pacific halibut fishery as one of the best managed in the world. They have made substantial investments throughout the decades to ensure a sustainable resource and viable standard of living.

PACIFIC HALIBUT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF BC

The Pacific Halibut Management Association of BC is an industry association representing the majority of commercial halibut licence holders in British Columbia, Canada. We work collaboratively with Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to ensure a sustainable resource, viable industry and secure food source for Canadians and others around the world.

 

We are pleased to share the current facts and news about wild Pacific halibut, the fishery and issues that impact the state of the industry.

Economic Contribution

The wild Pacific halibut fishery provides thousands of jobs and incomes for British Columbians, creates economic benefits for coastal communities and generates approximately $33 million (2018-2020 average) * annually in exports for the Canadian economy.

*Source: Province of British Columbia. (2020) British Columbia Agriculture, Seafood, Food and Beverage International Export 2020 Highlights Year in Review.

Sustainable Resource

BC’s wild Pacific halibut fishery is recognized as one of the best monitored and managed in the world. It’s certified sustainable by Marine Stewardship Council, recommended by Ocean Wise and Seafood Watch, and the David Suzuki Foundation has referred to Canada’s commercial wild Pacific halibut fishery as a high bar example.

Secure Food Source

BC’s wild Pacific halibut fishery provides approximately 2,600 tonnes (5.75 million pounds) * of sustainable and secure, high-quality food annually to Canadians and others around the world.

 

*Source: Department of Fisheries and Oceans

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