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Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Permit and Authorization Service Bureau

Fish Collection:

Eligibility and Steps to Obtaining a Fish Collection Permit

A Fish Collection Permit is a document that authorizes an organization or individuals to capture and/or collect fish specimens for scientific and other non-recreational purposes. It is not used for general recreational angling or for commercial harvest of fish. This page is provided to assist in the application processs.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Please see Application Guidelines and also Appendix A of the Fish Collection Permit application [PDF 158KB] for further details before making application

Steps to Obtaining a NEW Fish Collection Permit

  1. Review the basic eligibility criteria, to ensure your company can meet the requirements.
  2. The following is required in order to proceed with the permitting process:
    • A completed Fish Collection application form [PDF 158KB]; and,
    • A cheque for $25 (per activity – as listed in the Application Guidelines outlined in the application form above), made payable to the B.C. Minister of Finance.

Visa/Mastercard Payment Authorization Form [PDF 61KB]

Questions regarding permit requirements that are not addressed within these pages or for contact information visit: Permit and Authorization Service Bureau.

Steps to AMEND your Fish Collection Permit

The following is required in order to proceed with the permitting process:

  • Amendments will only be made for minor changes to your fish collection permit. A minor change is a change in employee or addition of an employee. Please note for all other amendments to your permit e.g. addition of water(s), extension in time periods or a sampling gear change a new permit must be applied for with applicable fees.
  • All amendments of Scientific Fish Collection Permits have a fee of $25.00.

Questions regarding permit requirements that are not addressed within these pages or for contact information visit: Permit and Authorization Service Bureau.

Reporting Requirements

The permittee shall, within 90 days of the expiry of this permit, electronically report fish collection activities following the fish data submission process outlined at www.env.gov.bc.ca/fish_data_sub/. This includes following reporting format requirements, minimum data standards, and submitting online Fish Data Submission project information. Interim reports may also be required, and shall be submitted in accordance with the permit issuer’s requirements. Questions regarding the fish data submission process can be made to: fishdatasub@gov.bc.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gill netting (GN) a lethal sampling technique?
Yes, please note when applying for Gill netting (GN) on your fish collection permit it is considered lethal sampling and you must complete 2.6 of the lethal sampling program description.
If I am applying for both a research project and an inventory project, is the fee $25 for each activity?
Yes, each activity as outlined under “Application Guidelines for Scientific Fish Collection Permits” is a separate fee of $25. Please note list includes 5 different examples of activities that can be applied for.