Octopus by Dive Experimental Fishery - Pacific Region

Experimental Harvest Guidelines

• Octopus by dive Exploratory Fisheries Guidelines
• Experimental Fisheries Consultations

Overview of the Fishery

The octopus fishery is located primarily in south coast areas with the majority of octopus landed by divers from the areas along the east coast of Vancouver Island from Port Hardy to Sooke (Areas 12 to 20). Reported landings of octopus by divers from areas on the west coast of Vancouver Island have been relatively minor and primarily from Area 24. There are minor but increasing landings of octopus by divers from several north coast areas.

Octopus are primarily harvested by dive fishing methods, however there is a limited by-catch is in some trap and trawl fisheries. No hooks, gaffs, spears or sharp pointed instruments are permitted when harvesting for octopus. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is concerned with the use of chlorine bleach, and chlorine bleach derivatives, by divers in the octopus dive fishery. Fishers are advised that bleach will NOT be acceptable to use for the harvest of octopus. As a pre-condition of licence in 2000, they are required to sign a letter agreeing to not use bleach or other chemicals in the harvest of octopus and to list what products they may use.

Octopus Contact

Departmental contacts for more information (click name to email):

Juanita Rogers 250-756-7268

Regional Shellfish Co-ordinator	Vancouver	Todd Johansson	604-666-3869
Resource Management	South Coast	Mike Kattilakoski	250-756-7315
Resource Management Biologist	North Coast	Pauline Ridings	250-627-3014