How The Steveston Public
Fish Sales Float Came AboutLooking for fresh seafood for your table? Look
no further than the Steveston Public Fish Sales
Float at Fisherman's Wharf, Steveston Landing.Reprinted with permission from the Steveston Harbour Authority
 he sale of fish and seafood products direct from the fishing vessels originated unofficially from "C Float" at the Gulf of Georgia site in the 1970's. This float was not designed to accommodate access by the | | ©Steveston Harbour Authority—Entrance to Fisherman's Wharf, Steveston, BC. |
general public, resulting in concern over public safety, as well as product quality.
Small Craft Harbours formed a committee comprised of health officials and fishermen to create operational guidelines governing product quality, regulating authorities, qualifications for use of facilities, and conditions governing fish sales. During this time, negotiations were underway, supported by the Honourable Tom Siddon, to redevelop the harbor. The Public Fish Sales Float was installed by Small Craft Harbours in 1989, at the same time as Steveston Waterfront Properties was constructed. The new float was built to meet all public safety concerns and to accommodate the general public, including wheelchair access. This initiative complimented the development of Steveston Landing and helped to draw people to the waterfront. Today, the Sales Float is carefully regulated to ensure that members of the general public receive top quality product. Vessels using the facility may only sell species which they are licensed to harvest by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. In addition, they must hold a Provincial Fish Vendoring License obtained through the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and a license from the Steveston Harbour Authority, which ensures that they are fully aware of all regulations, guidelines and standards for freshness.Only fresh or "frozen onboard" varieties of fish, crab, shrimp and prawns are available. You will not find processed, smoked or dried fish, nor will you find such varieties as oysters, clams, mussels and other bivalve mollusks. Members of the public are encouraged to visit the Public Fish Sales Float at Fisherman's Wharf. Nowhere else can you obtain truly "fresh" seafood, meet the fishermen and their families, and see the vessel and gear responsible for harvesting such fine products.
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