Fishing in Parks

National Parks and National Marine Conservation Areas

Parks Canada is dedicated to the protection and conservation of marine life in its national parks and national marine conservation areas (NMCA). Along Canada’s Pacific coast, Parks Canada has interests in two marine areas: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve/Haida Heritage Site. Recreational fisheries within these areas will be managed by Parks Canada in collaboration with DFO and others, to ensure that marine life and their habitat will not be threatened by human activities.

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

Established in 2003, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR) protects and provides opportunities to experience a portion of the Gulf Islands coastal ecosystem. The park, which includes both land and marine areas, is spread over a myriad of islands, islets, reefs and adjacent waters in the southern-most Gulf Islands.

If you plan to fish in the southern Gulf Islands, be aware of the following:

• freshwater fishing is not permitted in GINPR
• the GINPR Interim Park Zoning, which is expected to be approved in the near future, proposes some marine closure areas for conservation and wildlife related reasons.

Prior to fishing, consult the park website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information and are aware of any park closure areas.

Proposed National Marine Conservation Area Reserve (NMCAR) in the Southern Strait of Georgia

Parks Canada, in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, is studying the potential of establishing an NMCAR in the southern Strait of Georgia. NMCARs protect marine ecosystems, while supporting sustainable use. Consultation and feedback are important to the study. To get involved or to request information please e-mail straitofgeorgianmca@pc.gc.ca or visit www.pc.gc.ca/straitofgeorgia
 

Provincial Parks

If you are planning to fish in a Provincial Park or Recreational Area, be aware that the Park Act and its regulations apply, as well as tidal water or freshwater fishing regulations, as appropriate.