Factory Trawlers and the Fate of B.C.’s Coast
The remote, storm-lashed coastline of British Columbia is famed for its wild beauty, teeming marine life, and the intricate web of species that depend on its waters. But a new investigation by Pacific Wild has cast a stark light on a hidden crisis: over the past 13 years, nearly 90,000 square kilometers of this coast—an area roughly the size of Ireland—have been heavily impacted by industrial trawlers, with profound consequences for marine ecosystems, protected areas, and the communities that rely on them.
A Data-Driven Unveiling
Pacific Wild’s multi-year investigation, released this week, harnessed 13 years of satellite tracking data—Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals—to map the movements of nine large trawlers now operating under Canadian flags, many of which previously fished depleted stocks in the North Atlantic. Their analysis reveals a sweeping transformation of B.C.’s groundfish trawl fishery: what was once a fleet of owner-operated vessels has largely shifted to corporate ownership, with vessels quietly arriving on the coast, often without public input or scrutiny.
These trawlers, targeting high-value species such as pollock and hake, have been granted quotas to land nearly 300 million pounds of fish in 2024 alone—a fishery worth over $200 million annually. Yet, as Ian McAllister, Pacific Wild co-founder, points out, there remains little public information on what species are being caught, how much bycatch is discarded, or where these fish ultimately end up.
Overlapping Threats: Wildlife and Protected Areas
Perhaps most alarming is the overlap between trawler routes and critical wildlife habitats. The investigation found that factory trawlers’ paths “nearly perfectly” coincide with the migration routes of chinook salmon—a primary food source for the endangered southern resident killer whales. These whales, already teetering on the brink, now face what researchers describe as a “gauntlet” of industrial fishing pressure.
The investigation also uncovered repeated trawler activity at trawling speeds through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), including the Scott Islands—home to millions of seabirds and several at-risk species—and the ancient glass sponge reefs of Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound. While some MPAs ban bottom trawling, others, especially older designations, still allow it, leaving vital habitats exposed.
Transparency and Accountability in Question
Pacific Wild’s efforts to track and verify trawler activity highlight significant gaps in oversight. Since the pandemic, on-board observers have been replaced with cameras, but documents obtained by Pacific Wild reveal frequent camera malfunctions and limited access to footage, undermining transparency. Attempts to access licensing records and enforcement data were largely rebuffed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, citing privacy concerns.
The shift to corporate control of quotas—now less than 15% held by independent operators—raises further questions about who benefits from these fisheries, and at what ecological cost.
A Call to Action
Pacific Wild is calling for an immediate ban on industrial trawl fishing along B.C.’s coast to protect vulnerable ecosystems and the species that depend on them. Their investigation, “Dragged to Death,” offers a detailed mapping of trawler impacts and is accompanied by a powerful video that brings the story to life.
Explore the full investigation
Read and watch: Dragged to Death – Investigative Mapping on B.C.’s Industrial Trawling
Pacific Wild’s work underscores the vital role of independent investigation and public engagement in safeguarding the future of Canada’s Pacific coast. As the evidence mounts, the question remains: will policy and enforcement catch up before these irreplaceable ecosystems are lost?
Support Pacific Wild
Support Pacific Wild’s ongoing efforts to protect B.C.’s marine life by sharing their findings, engaging with their campaigns, and demanding greater transparency and accountability from fisheries management.
To learn how you can support Pacific Wild’s work, visit their official website: www.pacificwild.org
