Spearfishing is a popular sport in British Columbia, where anglers and divers hunt for fish using a speargun or pole spear. This type of fishing has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its lower impact on the environment and its ability to provide anglers with a more challenging and exciting experience than traditional methods of fishing.
However, spearfishing is not without its legal challenges. In BC, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy regulates the sport through provincial regulations that outline the type of equipment that can be used, the areas where it can occur, and other restrictions. These regulations are intended to protect both species of fish and marine life, as well as recreational anglers.
Spearfishing is allowed in most lakes and rivers in BC but there are restrictions on when it can be done. Generally, spearfishing cannot take place within 200 metres of any shoreline or within 100 metres of any recreational area such as beaches or parks. Additionally, during spawning season (typically April through July), some species may be off-limits altogether or have a shorter allowable fishing season.
In terms of equipment, a diver must use only one hand-held spear with a single barbed tip when spearfishing in BC waters. In addition to this, divers must also adhere to size limits for their catch – typically between 25 cm – 50 cm depending on the species – and bag limits which vary based on the region they are fishing in. It is also important for divers to remember that spearing trout and salmon is prohibited in all BC waters due to their protected status under federal legislation.
In addition to these restrictions, there are also several safety regulations that divers must follow when spearfishing including wearing proper safety gear such as fins and masks as well as avoiding areas with strong currents or underwater hazards such as rocks or reefs. It’s also important for divers to remain aware of their surroundings at all times while they are hunting underwater so they don’t put themselves at risk of being injured or killed by an underwater predator such as a shark or barracuda.
Overall, while spearfishing is legal in BC waters with certain restrictions in place depending on location and seasonality, it is important for those interested in taking part in this sport to thoroughly research provincial regulations before doing so to ensure they stay safe while complying with all applicable rules and regulations.
Conclusion: Is Spearfishing Legal in BC? Yes – Spearfishing is legal in most lakes and rivers in British Columbia with certain restrictions including size limits for catch and bag limits depending on location; however it should be noted that spearing trout and salmon is prohibited due to their protected status under federal legislation. Divers must also adhere to safety regulations such as wearing proper safety gear and avoiding areas with strong currents or underwater hazards when participating in this sport.
