IPHC Regulatory Area 2B

First Nations members in British Columbia have access to the commercial fishery and a separate Pacific halibut fishery for food, social, and ceremonial purposes. The First Nations Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) fishery allows tribal subsistence use and is estimated to land about 405,000 pounds (183 t) per year. In 1996, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans issued “FL” licenses instead of the Pacific halibut “L” licenses to some of the Aboriginal groups. The “FL” license is fished as part of a First Nations communal commercial fishing program.