Launch Your Other Marine Fishing Business in Burnaby

This page gives you a practical, friendly road map for launching an Other Marine Fishing business in Burnaby (NAICS 114119). It breaks down the seven essential requirements, plus what permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to operation. Whether you’re testing the waters or ready to dive in, you’ll get clear steps you can act on today.

You’ll learn exactly what the 7 requirements cover—permits and licenses, vessel and gear registrations, safety and environmental compliance, business registration and taxes, local zoning or site approvals, insurance, and ongoing reporting. We’ll also outline typical costs (initial setup, gear, licensing fees) and a practical timeline to help you plan and stay on track.

Burnaby’s coastal location and proximity to Vancouver’s fishing community gives you ready access to markets, suppliers, and coastal services. With streamlined permitting channels and community support for small- and mid-sized fishing ventures, Burnaby is a smart base to start and grow your business with confidence.

Business Type
Other Marine Fishing
Location
Burnaby

Requirements Overview

The most critical requirement for operating a marine fishing business in Burnaby is DFO Commercial Fishing Licence. This licence is a legal prerequisite for any commercial fishing activity in Canada, issued by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. You cannot legally fish or run a fishing operation without it, and without it you may face penalties or vessel seizures. This rule is non-negotiable.

Beyond licensing, you’ll need to stay on top of health, safety, and environmental compliance. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC coverage is mandatory and you must follow its safety rules, provide training, and maintain proper records. You should also comply with environmental rules, including the Species at Risk Act (SARA) where applicable, to protect species at risk and their habitats. These operational requirements are essential to run a compliant, safe business and should be integrated into your daily planning.

On the business and tax side, register your entity and obtain the necessary numbers. If you’re operating under a name other than your legal name, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration. You’ll also need a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle taxes, payroll, and other filings. GST/HST registration may be required if your taxable revenues exceed the threshold (currently around $30,000 per year). If you hire staff, Payroll Deductions Registration will be part of payroll compliance.

Next steps: start with confirming your DFO licence status, then line up WorkSafeBC, SARA considerations, and your registration needs. Gather documents, set realistic timelines, and consider a quick consult with a small business advisor to map out the registrations. With these basics in place, you’ll have a solid, compliant foundation to grow your Burnaby fishing operation.

Detailed Requirements

Here are the specific requirements for starting a other marine fishing in Burnaby:

  • Business Number (BN) Registration Required
    A 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
  • DFO Commercial Fishing Licence Required
    DFO Commercial Fishing License & Quota System requirement for businesses in this jurisdiction. This licensing requirement ensures compliance with provincial regulations, protects consumers, and maintains industry standards. Requirements typically include business registration, professional qualifications or training, facility standards where applicable, insurance coverage, and adherence to relevant codes of practice. Specific details vary by province and business type. Businesses must consult relevant provincial authorities, regulatory colleges, or licensing bodies for complete requirements. Operating without required licensing may result in fines, closure orders, or inability to legally operate. Apply to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for commercial fishing licence. Species-specific, quota-based system.
  • BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) Required
    Registration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
  • Species at Risk Act Compliance Conditional
    Required for specific regulated activities. Operations affecting endangered species must comply with SARA, obtain permits, and implement mitigation measures to protect threatened wildlife. Species at Risk Act (SARA) federally. Permits for activities affecting listed species. Recovery strategies. Critical habitat protection. Assessment by COSEWIC. Provincial ESA may also apply. Environmental assessment integration. Contact Environment Canada: 1-800-668-6767.
  • GST/HST Registration Conditional
    Required if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
  • Payroll Deductions Registration Conditional
    Required if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
  • WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration Conditional
    Required if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.

Funding & Grants

Available funding programs that may apply to your other marine fishing:

  • A $25.7M program under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership open to not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations. AAFC contributes up to 70% of eligible costs (max $1M/year or $5M over 5 years; $100K/year or $500K for national fair projects). In-kind contributions capped at 15% of total. Priority intake closed May 30, 2025; …
  • A non-refundable BC personal and corporate income tax credit equal to 25% of the fair market value of eligible agricultural products donated to qualifying registered charities in BC. Available for donations made between February 16, 2016 and December 31, 2026. The credit is claimed in addition to the regular charitable …
  • A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
  • The Ignite Program provides up to $300,000 to BC-based industry-academic teams for R&D projects in natural resources, applied science, and/or engineering. Projects must be at TRL 3 or above, have commercialization potential within 3 years, and secure 2:1 matching funds from industry or government sources. Funded by the Natural Resources …
  • BCSRIF is funded 70% federally (DFO) and 30% provincially (BC). Phase 2 provided $128.55M for 73 projects. Covers up to 100% of eligible costs for non-commercial organizations; commercial recipients receive 50-90% depending on size. Available for BC-based projects until March 31, 2026. Applications assessed competitively on merit.

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