2ND GENERATION FISHERMAN
Home Port: Sidney, BC | Vessel Name: Optimist I

“Every fish is accounted for through the cameras and logbooks on-board, dockside monitoring, tagging and auditing.”

1. When and how did you start fishing?
With my Dad when I was eight years old, although that was more for an adventure. I was ten when I started going out during summer and then 12 when I went out on my first official halibut trip. That was back in 1985 when the fishery was a derby style fishery and very different from what it has evolved and developed into today.

2. Where do you usually fish?
Usually at the bottom end of Haida Gwaii around Cape St. James, and in Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound.

3. What is the best thing about fishing?
The lifestyle, being out in nature and experiencing places that are remote and not really accessible by most people. At the same time and very uniquely, fishing is also a competitive business. Working with my family is pretty great as well.

4. What is your most memorable fishing experience?
The first time I ran the Optimist I for a halibut trip. We were doing a cleanup trip to catch the remainder of our quota and it was expected to take just over one week to complete. Well, we found a honey hole just off of Ramsay Island in Hecate Strait and not only did we catch our quota within about 30 hours, we also caught three of the largest halibut I have ever harvested and they were all on one string.

5. What do you believe everyone should know about wild Pacific halibut and the fishery?
How sustainably wild Pacific halibut are harvested, and how sophisticated and rigorously monitored the fishery is. Every fish is accounted for through the cameras and logbooks on-board, dockside monitoring, tagging and auditing.

6. What do you believe are the most important issues facing the wild Pacific halibut industry today?
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are the biggest issue we’re facing today. Wild Pacific halibut are highly migratory fish and I believe that picking the wrong areas and picking them for the wrong reasons will affect the ecosystem negatively in other ways, particularly if fishing is concentrated in just a few areas as a result. It is dangerous to set broad targets.

7. How would you describe the future of the wild Pacific halibut fishery?
Bright! As a Commissioner of the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC), I know that decisions are made with vast knowledge about the resource and input from all stakeholders is second to none. The IPHC makes decisions using tremendous input and they are well supported. As well, demand for wild Pacific halibut has never been higher especially here in our local market.

8. What three words best describe the wild Pacific halibut fishery today?
Sustainable
Local
Delicious

1. What was your first job?
I had a paper route when I was nine years old and started going out on the fishing boat at about the same time.

2. What is your favourite thing to do when you’re not fishing?
I love exploring local trails and beaches, and meeting people along the way.

3. What is your favourite meal to eat on the boat when fishing?
Wild Pacific halibut cheeks with rice and fresh veggies.

4. What is your favourite wild Pacific halibut dish?
Wild Pacific halibut baked with a layer of cream cheese and served with salsa.

5. What is your favourite movie or TV show of all time?
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

6. What is your favourite song or who is your favourite artist?
The Tragically Hip and The Pixies

7. What is one thing that most people don’t know about you and may surprise them?
I was a competitive swimmer when I was younger and placed in provincial competition.

8. What skill or craft would you like to master?
Playing the guitar

9. Who is your hero and why?
The Sedin twins. They were such greats in their hockey career, arriving at every game prepared and accountable. Off the ice they continue to be humble and impressive, and give back to the community.

Peter DeGreef