Government bans shellfish and groundfish caught in Burrard Inlet due to oil spill

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has placed a ban on shellfish and groundfish species caught between Point Grey and Lions Gate Bridge in Burrard Inlet in response to last Wednesday’s English Bay oil spill.

The affected areas have been noted as 28-6, 28-7, 28-8 and 28-9 in Burrard Inlet, which include the waters off West Vancouver, Point Grey, Kitsilano, Stanley Park and English Bay.

This also means recreational fishing and crabbing at the popular Jericho Pier are not permitted.

At this time, the federal government says this is a “precautionary measure.” The oil has been deemed highly carcinogenic and toxic, and the public has been asked to avoid the beaches and waters.

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Earlier today, the Coast Guard claimed 90 per cent of the 3,000 litres of bunker fuel oil spilled had been recovered. The estimate was based on aerial surveillance of the spill, which does not account for the amount of oil that may have evaporated or sunk under the water.

Officials now say more oil may have been spilled – that the stated 3,000 litres may have been a “conservative estimate.” A more precise calculation of the spill will be made in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the cleanup along the Burrard Inlet shoreline continues.

Image: Department of Fisheries and Oceans