Research Document - 2001/149
An Update for the British Columbia Experimental Fishery for Pacific Hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii)
By A.J. Benson, C.M. Neville and G.A. McFarlane
Abstract
A review of a recent experimental fishery for Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii) in British Columbia is presented. The fishery took place between May 2000 and June 2001 (the experimental fishery license was issued for May 2000-April 2002), and was restricted to Pacific Fishery Management Areas 23 and 123, inside and outside waters of Barkley Sound. Fisheries and biological data are described and historical records are updated. The available information is limited, but indicates that the current level of exploitation is not negatively impacting the stock. Because hagfish are slow growing and mature relatively late in life (8-10) years, caution in managing the fishery is advised. Continued restriction of the fishery to areas 23 and 123, and improved data collection is recommended.
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