Pacific Region Experimental Recreational Halibut Program in-season checklist

Pacific Region Experimental Recreational Halibut Program in-season checklist (PDF, 170 KB)

Refer to this checklist as a reminder of what is required of licence holders under the authority of the Experimental Recreational Halibut licence during the fishing season. It is important to refer to this checklist frequently to ensure you are meeting all of the requirements of the conditions of licence.

You can download a copy of this checklist here. A copy will also be provided in your licence package that will be mailed to you after your licence has been issued.

If you have questions regarding any of these steps, please email DFO.PACGroundfish-PoissondefondPAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Getting started – before you fish

Step
1	Apply for a licence: Complete an application for a licence by completing one of the application forms found here.
2	Learn the details: Read the application information section of the application form you submitted in step 1. Review this website and the frequently asked questions. We will contact new applicants to discuss the program details. If you have questions, contact us for more information.
3	Get quota: Once your licence is issued, you can transfer quota from a broker or a licence holder. If you held a licence last year and have uncaught quota, you can use that. Remember! You must have a licence amendment with at least 20 lbs of uncaught quota prior to fishing.
4	Have guests sign the licence: If any additional harvesters of an individual harvester, or guests of a lodge/charter operation or marina plan to retain halibut under the authority of this licence, they must each sign a copy of the licence prior to fishing (see section 10 on your licence). Each copy of the licence must also have the licence holder’s signature.
5	Carry your paperwork: Have all signed licences, licence amendment, logbook and any tools required to measure and record catch ready and on-board while fishing.

While you’re fishing

Step
1	Complete logbook record: Record the date, the time fishing began and ended, the hours fished, the number of anglers, and the creel sub area.
2	Record all catch: Record all of your catch while you are fishing. Any halibut retained under the authority of the Experimental Recreational Halibut Program must be recorded in your logbook, including the fork length. All recreational catch must be recorded on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing licence.
3	Mark your quota halibut catch: All halibut caught under the authority of this licence must be marked immediately after being hauled on board by clipping both the upper and lower lobe of the caudal (tail) fin.
4	Fill out a Transportation form: If any halibut caught under the authority of this licence is travelling to a location other than the address of the licence holder (if additional harvesters or guests are taking fish home), fill out a transportation authorization form. A copy of this form will be included in your licence package and more details are in the conditions of licence.

After fishing

Step
1	Submit your records: All catch records of halibut retained under the authority of this licence must be submitted to us within thirty (30) days after the date the halibut was retained. Information regarding submitting records will be included in your licence package. Additionally, a copy of any transportation form that was filled out must be submitted to us within 7 days of the completion of a trip.

Step

Submit your records: All catch records of halibut retained under the authority of this licence must be submitted to us within thirty (30) days after the date the halibut was retained. Information regarding submitting records will be included in your licence package.

Additionally, a copy of any transportation form that was filled out must be submitted to us within 7 days of the completion of a trip.

Before fishing again*

Step
1	Reconcile quota: Transfer quota onto your licence to ensure that catch = quota. Remember! Catch is reported in round lbs; quota is reported in net lbs. 1 net lb = 0.75 round lb. You must have at least 20 lbs of quota on your licence prior to each fishing trip. If a previous trip has resulted in your licence having less than 20 lbs, then you must transfer enough quota to bring your balance to at least 20 lbs prior to fishing again.

Step

Reconcile quota: Transfer quota onto your licence to ensure that catch = quota.

Remember! Catch is reported in round lbs; quota is reported in net lbs. 1 net lb = 0.75 round lb.
You must have at least 20 lbs of quota on your licence prior to each fishing trip. If a previous trip has resulted in your licence having less than 20 lbs, then you must transfer enough quota to bring your balance to at least 20 lbs prior to fishing again.

*This only applies if you go on more than one fishing trip under the authority of this licence and if the balance of quota on your licence after any previous catch has been deducted is below the 20 lb minimum threshold.

Year end

Step
1	Reconcile quota: Ensure catch = quota. If the balance of quota on your licence is negative, or in overage (you’ve caught more halibut than the quota available on your licence), you must reconcile this by January 31, 2025. Remember! Some uncaught quota can be carried forward to the next season (this can only be done in consecutive years that licences are issued)
2	Check catch submissions: Double check that all halibut caught under the authority of this licence have been successfully submitted to us.
3	Return your records and materials: Submit, by mail, all signed licences, transport forms, and completed logbooks to us by January 31, 2025. This does not include your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing licence.

Date modified:: 2024-03-11

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