The SFAB is seeking input from anglers across BC to help shape its recommendations to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for the 2026 halibut season and beyond.

We want to hear what matters most to you when it comes to recreational halibut fishing in BC. Your priorities, concerns, and ideas will help future management to reflect the values of the fishing community.
Background

To remain open throughout the season, BC’s recreational halibut fishery must stay within its 15% share of Canada’s Total Allowable Catch (TAC). Canada and US TAC is determined each year in late January by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC).
About the Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB)

Established in 1964, the Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB) is one of Canada’s longest-standing advisory bodies. Made up of volunteers, the SFAB represents British Columbia’s tidal water recreational fishing community and provides recommendations to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) on matters related to recreational fisheries management.
Current Challenges Facing BC’s Recreational Halibut Fishery

In recent years, the total allowable catch (TAC) for Pacific halibut—shared between the U.S. and Canada—has declined significantly. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult to develop stable and predictable management plans for British Columbia’s recreational halibut fishery, which receives 15% of Canada’s annual TAC.

Given these challenges, it's more important than ever to hear from a broad cross-section of anglers. Input on season length, daily and possession limits, and size restrictions is essential to ensure that management decisions reflect the values and priorities of the recreational fishing community.
Role of the Halibut Working Group

The SFAB Halibut Working Group is responsible for developing recommendations on annual catch limits, season length, and size regulations for BC’s recreational halibut fishery. Its work is guided by a set of halibut management principles first established in 2017 and refined in 2020.

Due to TAC reductions since 2020 and evolving regulations, the SFAB is seeking input from anglers across coastal BC to help update the guiding principles and better understand the community’s priorities. With this input, the SFAB will develop updated recommendations for the 2026 season to present to DFO as advice.
Fishery Patterns

Annual catch data indicate that approximately 85% of BC’s recreational halibut harvest takes place during June, July, and August. Although catch levels are lower from April to May and September to December, maintaining access during these shoulder seasons remains important for many anglers and coastal communities.
BC’s Recreational Halibut Fisheries

The SFAB Halibut Working Group is guided by the following:
• Recognition that halibut are currently managed on a coast-wide basis
• Ensuring responsible fishing practices
• Maintaining a minimum daily limit of one
• Providing certainty and stability for the fishery
Halibut Season & Priorities Survey

Estimated time: 5 minutes | Optional Prize Entry

Help shape the future of BC’s recreational halibut fishery by sharing your input. Your responses will help the Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB) provide informed advice to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) regarding recreational halibut fishing for 2026 and beyond.
Part 1 – About You

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* 1. Are you:

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* 2. Where do you fish halibut? (Select all that apply)

Part 2 – General Priorities

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* 3. Which of the following are your top priorities? (rank) Note: You can drag and drop your choices from the left and do not need to use the up or down arrows.

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* 4. Please rank the following from most important (1) to least important (6):

  1 (Most important) 2 3 4 5 6 (Least important)
Later closing date
Larger halibut available
Summer season open
Earlier opening date
Higher daily / annual bag limits
Longer season overall

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* 5. In your own words, what do you see as the top priority for the halibut fishery? (optional)

Part 3 – Narrowing Priorities

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* 6. Which parts of the year are most important for you to have an open season? (Rank – most important #1, least important #3). Note: You can drag and drop your choices from the left and do not need to use the up or down arrows.

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* 7. If trade-offs are needed, which option do you prefer?

Part 4 – Practical Considerations

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* 8. Would you accept a shorter season if it provided;

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* 9. If you could lock in just one of the following, which would it be?

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* 10. Is there anything else you’d like to add about BC’s recreational halibut fishery? (optional)

Part 5 – Submit Survey

Thank you for your participation! If you choose to provide your name and email, you'll be entered for a chance to win a prize. Your contact information will only be used for SFAB-related communications.

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* 11. Can we include your email in future SFAB communications?

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* 12. Would you like to learn more about your local Sport Fishing Advisory Committee (SFAC)—or possibly participate?

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* 13. Name:

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* 14. E-Mail Address

Thank you for taking a few minutes to complete this survey. It will remain open until January 9, 2026. The results and analysis will be shared with the SFAB and made publicly available soon after the survey closes. Names or email addresses you choose to provide will be kept confidential and will not be included in the analysis.

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