A video filmed in Sooke earlier this week has gone viral for recording a heated conversation between a Sooke resident and a crab-trapping couple.
The video, which was posted to social media on Monday, shows a man reviewing a couple’s crabbing operation, and trying to educate them on incorrect practices.
“The license states… the crab must be six and a half inches. You’re only allowed four crabs per person,” says the man around the 2:55 minute mark of the video.
“You’re not allowed to keep females. You have a bucket full of undersized crab. You don’t know what you’re doing. You have no measuring device.”
After the confrontation, the six minute video shows the couple throwing their crabs back into the ocean and then leaving the dock.
Warning: This video contains language that may be offensive to some.
https://www.facebook.com/tiffinyrose/videos/10156400630168101/
According to Fisheries and Oceans Canada, daily limits on harvesting crab (with a licence) include:
- 4 Dungeness or Red Rock crabs per person per day
- Dungeness crab must measure at least 165 millimetres in width (6.5 inches) and Red
- Rock crab must measure at least 115 millimetres in width (4.5 inches) or be thrown back
- All female crabs must be released (as one female crab can create up to 2.5 million eggs at one time)
Crab-trappers who fail to follow the rules can face fines of up to $1000 and can potentially be summoned to a mandatory court appearances.
“We don’t want people engaging in potential conflicts that could compromise their safety or the safety of the public around them,” said DFO spokesperson Mandy Ludlow to CTV news.
“If someone observes a violation, they should report it to our 24 hour reporting line at 1-800-465-4336,” Ludlow told Victoria Buzz.
For more information on crab harvesting in B.C., you can view a quick guide here.
