Fishery Notice

Further to FN0353, issued April 6, 2020:

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is keeping the health and well-being of all Canadians in mind as we work together in an effort to slow the spread of the new 
coronavirus (COVID-19). To slow the spread of COVID-19 we are reminding fishers to keep a physical distance between each other. Physical (social) distancing is proven 
to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak. Please respect the instructions of your local harbour authority to protect 
your health and safety, as well as the health and safety of harbour users.

DFO and the Canadian Coast Guard is committed to supporting our fisheries and aquaculture industry during these difficult times. The Government of Canada is taking the 
necessary steps to ensure that you can continue to operate safely and effectively. This notice is part of our ongoing effort to keep you informed of the latest 
developments. Also see the our webpage at: 
https://dfo-mpo.gc.ca/covid19/industry-industrie/index-eng.html

The ongoing pandemic has created unique pressures in fishing communities. Given limited resources, many Harbour Authorities have chosen to restrict public access and 
use of their facilities in the interest of public health and safety, including washrooms in some locations. This Fishery Notice serves to remind fishers of pandemic-
related considerations (e.g. provincially directed social distancing measures) and to communicate restrictions so that fishers can plan their trips accordingly (e.g. 
surrounding waste disposal).

Food harvesting is considered an essential service for the Canadian public, and as such, fish harvesters and other users involved in commercial fishing must have 
access to harbours. 

Harbour Authorities are: 
-Responsible for the safe management and operation of harbours owned by DFO, in compliance with applicable federal, provincial, territorial and municipal 
legislation/regulations, including emergency measures;
-Must exercise due diligence to ensure safe harbours; 
-Have the right to restrict access to their harbour to ensure the health and safety of all users; and 
-May limit access to only fish harvesters and other users involved in commercial fishing and close public areas of the harbour (e.g. harbour authority washrooms and 
offices).

The Fish Safe program has a number of resources available: https://www.fishsafebc.com/resources-and-signage

Also refer to Transport Canada's Regulations for Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations under the Canada Shipping Act:

Vessels operating at a distance which does not allow for timely access to on-shore washroom facilities are expected to have a designated human waste receptacle on 
board. Receptacles could include a portable toilet, a fixed toilet or other containment device as appropriate. Such devices must be made of impervious, cleanable 
materials and have a tight-fitting lid:
-Portable toilets or other designated human waste receptacles shall be used only for the purpose intended, and shall be so secured and located as to prevent 
contamination of the shellfish area or any harvested shellfish on board by spillage or leakage;
-The contents of toilets or other designated human waste receptacles shall be emptied only into an approved sewage disposal system; and
-Every person on board a shellfish harvest vessel must wash and sanitize their hands after using or cleaning a waste receptacle, or after using an onshore washroom 
facility.

Additional information from the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program:

In accordance with the Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program and Transport Canada Regulations, raw sewage (human wastes, sewage or refuse) shall not be discharged from 
vessels while in or adjacent to shellfish areas, or within three nautical miles (5.6 km) of shore.  Disposal of human waste into waters where shellfish are harvested 
or adjacent to shellfish harvest areas creates unnecessary and potentially serious health risks for shellfish consumers. 

Information on human waste containment receptacle requirements can be found at the following CFIA internet site: https://www.inspection.gc.ca/preventive-
controls/fish/cssp/questions-andanswers/eng/1563470479199/1563470589053  

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Please contact your local field office or 604-666-0384 for general enquiries.

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0432
Sent May 11, 2020 at 1119

Return to Main Menu

Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on April 19, 2024 at 0219