Fish, Shrimp & Water

Fall is definitely in the air. Nearly bearable in the sun but chilly in the shade. This time of year you find yourself bundled in fleece and jackets to keep yourself warm(er). It was Sunday (family day), a time to go out in the car, have brunch somewhere and spend the afternoon either buying supplies, heading out for a ride, run a few errands, or visit friends . We hadn't been to Steveston in a while and when we arrived on the pier we noticed that the water levels were very high.



It was much busier than the last time we were here. This is a government wharf and there were lots of fishing boats docked with their owners attempting to sell their catch



There were many varieties of fish local to our BC waters caught on our northern coast . We came late in the day in the early afternoon and many types were already sold out



These were caught off the coast near the Queen Charlotte Islands using individual hooks



Here is a shrimp boat. Prices are dependant upon size of their catch.



There is quite the controvery up here regarding Farmed fish vs Wild fish. We have many fish farms dotting our coast and it is said that they generate unhealthy fish which spreads disease and bacteria to other species. Wild fish are the most popular



Fish aren't inexpensive. I remember not that long ago that prices were around half of what they are now. It has to do with the rapid depletion of the supply and the limited fishing season as dictated by the government.



I am sure that this is a tough way to make a living. Having to endure the elements in unsafe ocean waters, catching few fish and having to barter each sale.



Steveston is home to a large fishing fleet but most of the boats have been tied up for years, unable to fish. Fishing in our local waters around Vancouver are closed. These particular boats here today are from the North near Prince Rupert and fish the areas around the Queen Charlottes (Islands). I think that they have more Open fishing days allotted.



Of course where there are sellers, there are also looky-loos , either that or there is some serious negotiation happening



Not all boats are there to sell fish like this one which is a work of wooden art



Whether you are here to buy fish or shrimp or just have a nice meal on the boardwalk I would recommend a visit to Steveston one day when you have a few hours to spare. There are many restaurants here with enough to satisfy every palate. There is an old historic cannery turned into a museum, an old shipyard being refurbished and a collection of japanese buildings which used to house the cannery workers. There are also gift stores on the main street. During the warmer summer weather there are also buskers playing music.


(we had our meal at the one on the left)