Hey, just wondering... what about the REST of the "law"?
Unlawful Actions
It is illegal to:
- possess any fish caught while sport fishing that is dressed or packed in a manner so that the species cannot be easily identified, measured where size limits are applicable, is of hatchery origin where hatchery salmon are allowed, and the number of fish readily counted where quotas are applicable. This includes removing the carapace, or shell, from any crab — see Packaging and Transporting Your Catch.
Penalties for contravention of the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations include voluntary ticket payments up to $1,000 and possible seizure and forfeiture of fishing gear and catch, or court-imposed fines up to $100,000 on first offence and possible court-imposed forfeiture of fishing gear, catch, vessel or other equipment used in the commission of an offence. Licences may also be suspended or cancelled.
You and the Law
The British Columbia Sport Fish Packaging Guidelines are intended for general information purposes only. Where there is a discrepancy between these guidelines and the
Fisheries Act and its regulations, the
Fisheries Act and the regulations are the final authority.
Regulations are subject to change from time to time and it is the responsibility of an individual to be informed of the current regulations. If you have any questions concerning changes to the regulations contact your local DFO office.
The Law
Section 36 of the Fishery (General) Regulations states:
Identify, Count, Weigh and Measure Fish
36. (1) No person shall possess fish that were caught by any person while fishing for recreational or sport purposes and that have been skinned, cut, packed or otherwise dealt with in such a manner that:
(a) the species cannot be readily determined;
(b) the number of fish cannot be readily determined;
(c) where weight is used to determine catch limits, the weight of the fish cannot be readily determined; and
(d) where size limits are applicable, the size of the fish cannot be readily determined.
Your catch may be checked and inspected by either federal or provincial enforcement authorities. Failure to comply with the
Fisheries Act and its regulations may result in prosecution.
Enforcement authorities must be able to readily determine the species, number, and if applicable, the size and weight of the fish caught, while in transport or at a location other than your ordinary residence.
It is your responsibility to ensure the species, number, size and weight of your catch can be readily determined.
I personally am kinda thinking it is very clear? You might want to reconsider fileting any fish, and now especially a halibut where a size & weight limit applies and if you do decide to... I surely would be carrying that interpatation in writing from DFO? If checked, that just might be an example DFO will use to prove their point. Just IMHO.
