We understand the importance of healthy oceans and sustainable fisheries. As seafood harvesters, we are deeply connected to our role as stewards of the marine environment.
It’s important to us that we consider the environmental impact of our fishing operations; we’ve worked hard to adopt responsible, sustainable practices. Our fishing operations reflect our commitment to being environmentally mindful:
Our fishing vessel ‘Raven Bay’ is retrofitted with a modern electronically controlled diesel engine which burns only 1 litre of fuel per hour while idling (ie. hauling traps).
The ‘Raven Bay’s bilge water is removed and delivered to a certified disposal facility – instead of being pumped into the ocean.
We have a no-spill refueling method for the ‘Raven Bay’.
We use biodegradable cleaners and disinfectants.
Our frozen prawn containers are made of recyclable plastic, and are reusable.
We maintain a small transport footprint by harvesting, freezing and storing all of our Spot Prawns in Powell River B.C.
We actively support Industry initiatives that promote best practices for protection of the marine environment
Sustainability in the Prawn Fishery
The BC spot prawn fishery is recognized for its sustainable management practices. We as harvesters pay for sampling technicians to board our fishing vessels daily throughout the fishing season to conduct Spawner Index samples, where each prawn in every 3rd trap is identified for sex and age class, and recorded for data analysis. The prawn fishery employs an escapement model of management; a minimum number of spawners must be present in order for the commercial fishery to remain open. This management program ensures harvest abundance for First Nations and recreational fishers year-round, and natural stock replenishment for our annual commercial fishery.
The prawn fishery is comprised of a limited number of licenses - less than 245-, keeping fishing effort at a manageable level. A single-licensed vessel can fish a maximum of 300 size-regulated traps, and may only keep prawns which measure above the minimum size requirement. Harvesters can haul traps once per day, and only between the hours of 7am to 7pm. Bycatch of other species like rockfish is rare; prawn fishing by trap is highly discriminating in its effort.
In addition to being a terrific source of sustainable seafood, Spot Prawn fishing provides jobs and sustains shipyards and many small-scale suppliers in coastal communities. Fishing is a treasured part of B.C.’s history and characterizes our personality as a coastal Province.