Observe, Record, Report (Brochure)

To order a printed copy of this brochure, please email  pacdfocommunication@pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

British Columbia's fish are a priceless heritage, the common property of all the people of the province.

Everyone who uses or enjoys the outdoors has a responsibility to protect and maintain it. But not everyone takes this responsibility seriously. Each year, fishery officers lay charges for illegal fishing, damage to fish habitat, polluting and other violations of the Fisheries Act.

What's the Damage?

The results are costly to all of us-in terms of damage to the resource and reduced fishing opportunities.

• Habitat degradation damages hundreds of fish bearing streams each year.
• Illegal catches of salmon jeopardizes the resource.
• Conservation efforts to protect and restore Pacific abalone is being severely hampered by illegal harvesting.

How Can You Help?

Fishery officers are responsible for the enforcement of fisheries regulations, but the job is an enormous one. British Columbia is a vast area where fishing often takes place in remote areas. To assist the fishery officers, we ask you to: Observe, Record and Report.

Observe

Some common violations are:

• Exceeding the daily bag limit or catch quota for fish;
• Fishing in closed areas;
• Taking protected species or undersized fish;
• Using illegal gear;
• Selling fish taken by sport fishing;
• Damaging fish habitat; and
• Polluting the environment.

Record

Carry a pencil and record your observations in note form as soon as you can. Photographs are useful, if they can be taken without alarming or alerting the violator.

Notes should include:

• Date, time and location;
• Identity of violators and companions or an accurate description of them;
• Boat or vehicle description;
• Evidence at the scene; and
• Action of the violator(s).

Report

Report violations as soon as possible Fisheries and Oceans Canada by calling toll-free:

1-800-465-4336* or 604-607-4186* in Greater Vancouver

Or, call your local Crimestoppers Program.

Information on callers is kept confidential. Name and a contact phone number are requested so that responding officers can contact the caller to get further detail on the violation if necessary. You can also request a call back from the investigating officer. Callers can remain anonymous and not provide a name/contact number to the operator. Callers are not required to testify in court.

A priority system ensures that serious offences are addressed first. Please note the operators are not fishery officers and will not be involved in any investigations.

* To ensure that you receive quality service all calls are recorded.