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BC tidal area 14 - Comox, Parksville, Denman and Hornby Islands: Recreational fishing limits, openings and closures

You’re responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.

How to follow the rules:

  1. Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
  2. Check the species regulations tables for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
  3. Check the restrictions tables for special exceptions and more detailed regulations. Make sure you know the:
    • (d) Daily limit: The maximum number of a given fish species that a person is allowed to keep in one day.
    • (p) Possession limit: The maximum number of fish you can have in your possession at any given time, except for what is at your ordinary residence.
    • (a) Annual limit: The total amount of fish of a certain species that may be caught and retained during the course of a fishing year which commences on April 1 and ends the following March 31.
  4. Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
  5. Unless otherwise specified, fishing opportunities and closures end at 23:59 hrs on the close-date shown.

Helpful resources:

Area map

Area maps

For a written description of Areas please see the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations 2007.

Area 14: Download a printable PDF version of this map.

Management area 14
Salmon

Salmon

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Status
Chinook salmon 14-1 to 14-13,14-15 62cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/10 Open (See Restrictions)
14-14 -/-/- Closed
Chum salmon 14 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) 14 Barbless Hook & Line 0/0/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Pink salmon 14 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sockeye salmon 14 Barbless Hook & Line 0/0/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2024-01-01 00:49:34

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Finfish Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 14) Closed These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers (skin divers & SCUBA divers) for the preservation of unique underwater habitat.
Salmon Coastwide Combined Daily Limit Pieces 4 - The daily limit for all species of Pacific salmon from tidal and fresh waters combined is 4. Individual species limits also apply.
Coastwide Possession Limit Pieces 8 - The possession limit for all salmon from all waters is twice the daily limit. You cannot possess more than eight salmon in total, except for salmon that are at your ordinary residence.
Chinook salmon Coastwide Reminder Keeping your chinook salmon? You must permanently record all retained catch on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. If mobile internet access is immediately available, the licence holder may alternatively record catch immediately in their National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) account.
Coastwide Annual Limit Pieces 10 - The coastwide total annual limit for chinook salmon is 10 from all tidal waters that are open to chinook retention.
Coho salmon (hatchery) Coastwide Reminder Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin.

Last updated: 2024-01-01 00:49:39

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 14) The southeasterly shoreline of Hornby Island, from Shingle Spit southerly through Norman Point, Downes Point, Tribune Bay and St. John Point to Cape Gurney, including Heron Rocks, Norris Rocks, and Flora Islet.

Last updated: 2024-01-01 00:49:39

Other finfish

Finfish other than salmon

Learn more about fishing for finfish

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Status
Herring 14 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Eulachon 14 0/0/0 Closed
Mackerel 14 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line 100/200/- Open (See Restrictions)
Northern anchovy 14 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other finfish species 14 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Pacific sand lance 14 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 5kg/10kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Pacific sardine 14 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 100/200/- Open (See Restrictions)
Surf smelt 14 Dip Net, Gill Net 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Tuna, Albacore 14 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Tuna, All other species 14 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Codfish 14 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Greenling 14 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 3/6/- Open (See Restrictions)
Halibut 14 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 1/2/10 Open (See Restrictions)
Lingcod 14 0/0/0 Closed
Perch 14 Hook and Line 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Rockfish, All species combined 14 0/0/0 Closed
Rockfish, Yelloweye 14 0/0/0 Closed
Sablefish 14 Hook and Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sculpin 14 Hook and Line 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shark, All other species 14 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Shark, Basking 14 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Blue 14 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Bluntnose 14 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Brown Cat 14 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Great White 14 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Salmon 14 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shark, Sixgill 14 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Tope 14 0/0/0 Closed
Skate 14 Hook and Line 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sole/Flounder 14 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Spiny dogfish 14 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sturgeon 14 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Trout (hatchery) 14 30cm Hook and Line 2/4/- Open (See Restrictions)
Trout (wild) 14 0/0/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Wolf eel 14 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2024-02-03 00:08:44

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Finfish Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 14) Closed These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers (skin divers & SCUBA divers) for the preservation of unique underwater habitat.
Herring 14 Reminder Harvesting of herring roe from marine plants or plants placed in the water for the purpose of harvesting herring roe is prohibited.
Eulachon Coastwide Closed Due to conservation concerns the harvesting of eulachon is prohibited.
Codfish 14 Reminder Species includes: Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod.
Halibut Coastwide Reminder The possession limit for halibut is EITHER of: one (1) halibut measuring 90 cm to 126 cm in length (69 cm to 102 cm head-off), OR two (2) halibut, each measuring under 90 cm in length (69 cm head-off). No person shall retain a halibut greater than 126 cm head-on length (102 cm head-off). Head-off measurements are made from the base of the pectoral fin at its most forward point to the extreme end of the middle of the tail.
Lingcod Coastwide Season Planning For planning purposes only - for in-season requirements, please see current regulations/restrictions for specific areas, gear and individual species limits, and closures/exceptions. INSIDE WATERS - Generally open May 1 to September 30, for Areas 13 to 19 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48, 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5. Closed year round - Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17. OUTSIDE WATERS - Generally Open April 1 to November 15, for Areas 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130, 142, 11, 21 to 27, 111, 123 to 127, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4, and Area 121 (portion).
14 Reminder Lingcod: Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.)
Perch 14 Reminder Includes kelp, shiner and pile perch, and all species of surf and sea perch
Rockfish, All species combined Coastwide Reminder Rockfish - Anglers in vessels shall immediately return all rockfish that are not being retained to the water and to a similar depth from which they were caught by use of an inverted weighted barbless hook or other purpose-built descender device.
Coastwide Season Planning Note - For planning purposes only - for in-season requirements, please see current regulations/restrictions for specific areas, gear and individual species limits, and closures/exceptions. INSIDE WATERS - Generally open May 1 to September 30, for Areas 13 to 19 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48, 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5. Closed year round - Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17. OUTSIDE WATERS - Generally Open April 1 to November 15, for Areas 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130, 142, 11, 21 to 27, 111, 123 to 127, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4, and Area 121 (portion).
Sculpin Coastwide Reminder Cabezon is a species of sculpin; for daily and possession limits, please see the species regulations table above for sculpin
Trout (hatchery and wild combined) Coastwide Reminder Note (1) Trout - means Brook trout, Brown trout, Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, Lake trout, Rainbow trout, Steelhead, and includes Bull trout. (2) Steelhead - in waters where anadromous Rainbow trout are found, Steelhead means a Rainbow trout that is greater than 50cm in overall length. (3) Anadromous means migrating from the sea up rivers or streams to spawn.
14 Combined Daily Limit Pieces 2 The aggregate recreational daily limit for wild and hatchery trout combined is two (2).

Last updated: 2024-02-03 00:12:45

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 14) The southeasterly shoreline of Hornby Island, from Shingle Spit southerly through Norman Point, Downes Point, Tribune Bay and St. John Point to Cape Gurney, including Heron Rocks, Norris Rocks, and Flora Islet.

Last updated: 2024-02-03 00:12:45

Bivalve shellfish and snails

Bivalve shellfish and snails

Eating contaminated shellfish can be life threatening. Closures change frequently throughout the year. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from closed or contaminated areas.

Bivalve shellfish have 2 hinged shells. Because they feed by filtering microscopic plankton from the water, changes in water quality can cause unsafe marine biotoxins, bacteria, or viruses to build up in their tissue.

Snails refers to all snails, whelks, tritons and periwinkles with the exception of Moon Snails. Snails and moon snails can accumulate toxins and pollutants. We recommend that they not be harvested from areas shown as closed in the table below.

Learn more about shellfish harvesting.

How to follow the rules

  1. Check for contamination in the subarea where you plan to harvest.
  2. If no contamination closures are in effect, check species regulations and additional harvest restrictions.
  3. Littleneck, Manila and butter clams are subject to a minimum size limit. See below under restrictions for more information on clam size limits.
  4. Questions? Email us at DFO.PACCSSP-PCAMPAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Bivalve shellfish contamination closures

Planned bivalve shellfish harvesting closures

Look at the first column below to see which species are safe to harvest. If there is information in the second column, it is illegal and unsafe to harvest any bivalve species in those areas.

Subarea Marine biotoxin update (open bivalve species) Sanitary contamination closures (closed to shellfish harvesting)
14-1 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
14-2 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
14-3 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
14-4 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
14-5 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific;Scallop, Other;Scallop, Pacific;Scallop, Pink;Scallop, Spiny
14-6 Closed to All Bivalve Species
14-7 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
14-8 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Clam, Varnish;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific;Scallop, Other;Scallop, Pacific;Scallop, Pink;Scallop, Spiny
14-9 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
14-10 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
14-11 Clam, Butter;Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
14-12 Closed to All Bivalve Species
14-13 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
14-14 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
14-15 Clam, Butter;Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Clam, Varnish;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific;Scallop, Other;Scallop, Pacific;Scallop, Pink;Scallop, Spiny

Last updated: 2024-03-06 08:45:17

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Clam, Butter 14 Hand Digging 20/40/-
Clam, Horse 14 Hand Digging 6/12/-
Clam, Littleneck 14 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Clam, Manila 14 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Clam, Razor 14 Hand Digging 12/24/-
Clam, Softshell 14 Hand Digging 25/50/-
Clam, Varnish 14 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Clams, All 14 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Cockles 14 Hand Digging 25/50/-
Geoduck 14 Hand Digging, Hand Picking 3/6/-
Mussel, Blue 14 Hand Picking 75/150/-
Mussel, California 14 Hand Picking 25/50/-
Oyster, Olympia 14 0/0/0
Oyster, Pacific 14 Hand Picking 12/24/-
Scallop, Pink and Spiny 14 Diving, Hand Picking 75/150/-
Scallop, Rock 14 Diving, Hand Picking 6/12/-
Scallop, Weathervane 14 Diving, Hand Picking 6/12/-
Snail, Moon 14 Hand Picking 2/4/-
Snail, Other 14 Hand Picking 75/150/-

Last updated: 2023-04-11 11:36:08

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Shellfish Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 14) 2021 Closed These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers (skin divers & SCUBA divers) for the preservation of unique underwater habitat.
Bivalve Species Coastwide Reminder Because of the risk of contamination, you are not allowed to harvest bivalve shellfish (for any purpose) within: (1) 300 metres around industrial, municipal and sewage treatment plant outfall discharges (2) 125 metres around a marina, ferry wharf, floating living accommodation, or any finfish net pen (exceptions described as follows) (3) 25 meters around any floating living accommodation facility located within a shellfish aquaculture tenure where a zero-discharge and appropriate waste management plan is a condition of the Aquaculture Licence and is approved by the Regional Interdepartmental Committee (4) 0 meters of any finfish net pen within an aquaculture tenure where an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Management Plan approved by the Regional Interdepartmental Committee is in operation.
Coastwide Reminder Clams: No person shall retain a Manila Clam or Littleneck Clam smaller than 35 mm, nor a Butter Clam smaller than 55 mm.
14-13 Closed Closed to the harvest of bivalve species while diving (skin diving or SCUBA diving)
Mitlenatch Island Closed
Clams, All Coastwide Daily Limit Pieces 60 - When open, all species aggregate daily limit combined Areas 1 to 27 is 60, except Pacific Rim National Park where the all species aggregate limit is 24.
14 Gear Restriction It is illegal to use any mechanical apparatus or dredge for harvesting clams.
Reminder Clam harvesters are encouraged to fill in holes to reduce predation on exposed juvenile clams.
Mussels, All 14 Reminder Combined daily limit for all mussel species is 75.
Oyster, Pacific Coastwide Reminder To avoid inadvertently harvesting Olympia oysters while you are harvesting Pacific oysters, do not harvest any oyster less than 5 cm in diameter.
14 Packaging and Transporting Avoid transfer of green crab - Harvesters are encouraged to shuck oysters on the beach and leave the shells there, or return oyster shells to the beach from where you collected them whenever possible. In order to avoid the transfer of European green crab, please dispose of any oyster shell harvested from the west coast of Vancouver Island back to the beach from where it came or with your household garbage. Consult your local DFO Office. You will need permission to harvest oysters from marked oyster farms.
Snail, Moon 14 Reminder Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details.

Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:01:46

Area descriptions

Closure Map Area description
13.3 A portion of Discovery Passage to Kuhushan Point 13.3.jpeg The intertidal foreshore of southern Discovery Passage, from the southern Campbell River Harbour limit, located at 49°59.69' north latitude and 125°13.71' west longitude, thence southeasterly to the spit located west of Kuhushan Point at 49°53.92' north latitude and 125°09.11' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.1 Comox Harbour 14.1.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Comox Harbour lying inside a line drawn from the point on land at the range markers at 49°37.40' north latitude and 124°54.51' west longitude, south of Gartley Point, thence seaward northeasterly to a point in water at 49°37.55' north latitude and 124°54.30' west longitude, thence due north towards the road entrance gate to HMCS Quadra on Goose Spit to a point in water at 49°39.63' north latitude and 124°54.30' west longitude, thence extending northeasterly along the low water mark to the first prominent point of land at the south end of Cape Lazo at 49°42.05' north latitude and 124°51.59' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.10 Parksville Bay, Englishman River to French Creek 14.10.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of the Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek, starting at a point east of the Englishman River mouth at the Rathtrevor Provincial Park northwest boundary at 49°19.60' north latitude and 124°16.40' west longitude, thence westerly through Parksville Bay to the French Creek marina quick-flashing red beacon. [NAD83]
14.12 Mud Bay, Baynes Sound 14.12.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Mud Bay lying inside of a line drawn from a point on land from the western shore of Mud Bay at 49°27.97' north latitude and 124°47.61' west longitude thence easterly to a point on the western end of the peninsula of land at 49°27.96' north latitude and 124°47.28' west longitude thence following the southern shoreline highwater mark back to the point of commencement. [NAD83]
14.13 Boat Cove, Lasqueti Island 14.13.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore which lie within a 50 metre radius of the mouth of the creek at the head of Boat Cove, Lasqueti Island. [NAD83]
14.16 Mouth of Little Qualicum River 14.16.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore at the mouth of the Little Qualicum River, starting at the tip of the spit at 49°21.98' north latitude and 124°29.96' west longitude thence northwesterly to the low water mark at 49°22.20' north latitude and 124°30.29' west longitude, thence westerly in a straight line to a point of land at 49°22.40' north latitude and 124°31.56' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.17 False Bay, Lasqueti Island 14.17.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of the small bay northeast of Higgins Island in False Bay, Lasqueti Island, commencing from the point of land at 49°29.99' north latitude and 124°21.45' west longitude, thence southward to the southeast tip of the small island in the bay, thence eastward to the point of land at 49°29.90' north latitude and 124°21.57' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.2 Deep Bay, Baynes Sound 14.2.png The waters and intertidal foreshore of Deep Bay Harbour at the southwest end of Baynes Sound lying inside a line drawn from the tip of Mapleguard Point at 49°27.94' north latitude and 124°44.16' west longitude southeasterly to a point on land at 49°27.70' north latitude and 124°43.80' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.21 Kitty Coleman Beach to Little River 14.21.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore from the boat ramp at Kitty Coleman Beach Provincial Park at 49°47.45' north latitude and 124°59.60' west longitude to the peninsula at the mouth of Little River at 49°44.55' north latitude and 124°55.35' west longitude. [NAD27]
14.27 Comox 14.27.jpeg Those portions of Subareas 14-12 and 14-13 inside a line drawn from a point in the water at 49°42.39' north latitude and 124°49.96' west longitude, thence northeasterly to a point in the water at 49°42.59' north latitude and 124°49.32' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point in the water at 49°41.94' north latitude and 124°48.86' west longitude, thence southwesterly to a point in the water at 49°41.73' north latitude and 124°49.51' west longitude, thence northwesterly back to the point of commencement. [NAD83]
14.28 Union Bay, Northwest of Union Point 14.28.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore within a 400 m radius of a point on land on the east shore of Vancouver Island at 49°36.113' north latitude and 124°53.456' west longitude, north of Union Point. The northwestern boundary is a point on land at 49°36.257' north latitude and 124°53.713' west longitude and the southeastern boundary is a point on land at 49°35.896' north latitude and 124°53.423' west longitude. [NAD 83]
14.29 Northwest Bay 14.29.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Northwest Bay lying south of a line drawn from a point of land on the west side of the entrance at 49º18.09' north latitude and 124º12.77' west longitude thence northeasterly to the east side of the entrance to a point of land at 49°18.40' north latitude and 124°12.35' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.3 Union Bay, Baynes Sound 14.3.jpeg The intertidal foreshore of Union Bay, Baynes Sound lying west of a line drawn from a point of land on the southern headland of Union Bay at 49°35.13' north latitude and 124°53.01' west longitude southerly to the foot of Tipton Road at 49°34.32' north latitude and 124°52.75' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.30 Qualicum River Estuary 14.30.jpeg The intertidal foreshore of the Qualicum River Estuary from a point on land at 49°24.10' north latitude and 124°36.76' west longitude, thence southeasterly following the intertidal boundary to a point on land at 49°23.70' north latitude and 124°36.26' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.31 Qualicum Beach 14.31.jpeg The intertidal foreshore of Qualicum Beach from a point on land at 49°21.59' north latitude and 124°28.26' west longitude 400 m northwest of the mouth of Grandon Creek following the intertidal boundary easterly to a point on land at 49°21.62' north latitude and 124°25.24' west longitude, 300 m east of the Hall Road Pump Station. [NAD83]
14.32 A portion of Fanny Bay, Baynes Sound 14.32.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Fanny Bay south of a line drawn from a point on land within the Fanny Bay Conservation Area at 49°30.08' north latitude and 124°48.52' west longitude, southerly of Ship Point, thence due west to a point on land at 49°30.08' north latitude and 124°49.18' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.33 A portion of Fanny Bay, Baynes Sound 14.33.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Fanny Bay lying inside a line drawn from a point on land, 125 m south of the Fanny Bay Public Wharf at 49°30.37' north latitude and 124°49.65' west longitude, thence seaward northeasterly to a point in water at 49°30.44' north latitude and 124°49.44' west longitude, thence northwesterly to a point on land at 49°30.94' north latitude and 124°49.99' west longitude excluding the 125 m Prohibited area around the Fanny Bay Public wharf and Rhododendeeron Ferry. [NAD 83]
14.34 Nile Creek Estuary 14.34.jpeg The intertidal foreshore of the Nile Creek Estuary from a point on land at 49°25.34' north latitude and 124°38.56' west longitude, thence southeasterly following the intertidal boundary to a point on land at 49°25.05' north latitude and 124°38.34' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.35 Mud Bay, Waterloo Creek 14.35.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Mud Bay, Baynes Sound lying inside a line drawn from a point on land south of Waterloo Creek at 49°28.060’ north latitude and 124°47.570’ west longitude, northeasterly to a point in water at 49°28.281’ north latitude and 124°47.231’ west longitude, thence northwesterly to a point of land at 49°28.348’ north latitude and 124°47.434’ west longitude thence following the high tide mark southwesterly to the point of commencement. [NAD83]
14.36 Mud Bay, Baynes Sound 14.36.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Mud Bay, Baynes Sound, lying inside a line drawn from a point of land north of Wilfred Creek at 49°29.118' north latitude and 124°47.759' west longitude, southeast to a point on land at 49°28.583' north latitude and 124°47.620' west longitude thence following the high tide mark north to the point of commencement. [NAD83]
14.8 Elma Bay 14.8.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Elma Bay, from the north side of Oyster River at a point at 49°52.35' north latitude and 125°06.90' west longitude to the south end of Elma Beach at a point at 49°50.40' north latitude and 125°03.80' west longitude. [NAD27]
14.9 Wall Beach 14.9.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Wall Beach, lying inside a line drawn from a point on the west shore at 49°18.12' north latitude and 124°13.33' west longitude thence easterly to a point on the shore at 49°18.22' north latitude and 124°13.08' west longitude. [NAD83]
14.ao Precautionary Emergency Closure, Deep Bay, Baynes Sound 14.ao.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of that portion of Subareas 14-8 inside a line commencing at Mapleguard Point, Deep Bay at 49°27.940' N 124°44.169' W northwesterly to a point in water at 49°28.218' N 124°46.165' W thence southwesterly to a point in water at 49°28.200' N 124°46.183' W thence southeasterly to a point in water at 49°28.177' N 124°46.132' W thence southwesterly to a point in water at 49°28.124' N 124°46.165' W thence westerly to a point in water at 49°28.129' N 124°46.279' W thence southwesterly to a point on land at 49°28.075' N 124°46.353' W thence southerly following the high tide mark back to the point of commencement; including BC Land Registry Aquaculture Tenures #0278744, #0278742, #0278741, #0278740, #1414396, #0319716, #1414456, #1414457, #1400483, #1411206, #1407063, #1408485, #0278739, #0278737, #1403139, #0278734, #1411153 and #1411195. [NAD 83]
14.ap Precautionary Emergency Closure, Deep Bay, Baynes Sound, Subarea 14-8 14.ap.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of that portion of Subareas 14-8 inside a line commencing at Mapleguard Point, Deep Bay at 49°27.940' N 124°44.169' W northwesterly to a point in water at 49°28.218' N 124°46.165' W thence southwesterly to a point in water at 49°28.200' N 124°46.183' W thence southeasterly to a point in water at 49°28.177' N 124°46.132' W thence southwesterly to a point in water at 49°28.124' N 124°46.165' W thence westerly to a point in water at 49°28.129' N 124°46.279' W thence southwesterly to a point on land at 49°28.075' N 124°46.353' W thence southerly following the high tide mark back to the point of commencement; including BC Land Registry Aquaculture Tenures #0278744, #0278742, #0278741, #0278740, #1414396, #0319716, #1414456, #1414457, #1400483, #1411206, #1407063, #1408485, #0278739, #0278737, #1403139, #0278734, #1411153 and #1411195. [NAD 83]
14.ar Comox Harbour 14.ar.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of that portion of Subarea 14-14 within Comox Harbour inside a line commencing at the tip of Goose Spit at 49°39.664' N and 124°55.574' W, thence southwesterly to a point of land near the shipwreck breakwater at 49°39.152' N and 124°57.020' W, thence northwesterly following the high tide mark back to the point of commencement; including BC Land Registry Aquaculture Tenures #1402723 and #1411090. [NAD 83]
14.as Fanny Bay, Baynes Sound 14.as.png The waters and intertidal foreshore inside a radius of 570 m from a point located at 124°49.495’ north latitude and 49°30.502’ west longitude. [NAD 83]
14.at Denman Point, Baynes Sound 14.at.png The waters and intertidal foreshore of that portion of Subareas 14-8 and 14-15 inside a line commencing north of Denman Point from a point on land at 49°33.831'N 124°50.514'W southwesterly to a point in water at 49°33.739'N 124°51.367'W thence southwesterly to a point in water at 49°33.200'N 124°51.474'W thence southeasterly to a point in water at 49°32.821'N 124°50.911'W thence northeasterly to a point on land at 49°32.974'N 124°50.394'W thence northerly following the high tide mark back to the point of commencement; including BC Land Registry Aquaculture Tenures #1400036, #0185965, #1403060, #1404998, #0238111, #0026053 and #1402060. [NAD83]

Last updated: 2024-03-06 08:45:17

Area Map Area description
Mitlenatch Island Waters within 0.5 nautical miles of Mitlenatch Island.
Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 14) 2021 Strait_of_Georgia_Dive_Closures_(Area_14)_2021.jpeg Those portions of Subareas 14-5, 14-6, 14-7, 14-9, and 14-12: shoreward of a line drawn from Shingle Spit at 49°30.773' N, 124° 42.502' W southwesterly to a point in water at 49°30.674' N, 124° 42.887' W, thence southeasterly to a point on the Subarea 14-7 boundary line at 49° 28.820' N, 124° 39.541' W, thence northeasterly following the Subarea 14-7 boundary line to a point on at 49°29.030' N, 124°38.867' W, thence northeasterly to a point in water southeast of Tribune Bay at 49°30.400' N, 124°36.974' W, thence northwesterly to a point in water in Tribune Bay at 49°31.032' N, 124°38.055'W, thence northeasterly to a point in Tribune Bay at 49°31.219' N, 124° 37.776' W, thence southeasterly to a point in water at 49°30.730' N, 124°36.594' W, thence easterly to a point in water east of Flora Islet at 49°30.947' N, 124° 34.075' W, thence northwesterly to a point in water north of Cape Gurney at 49°32.189' N, 124°36.139' W, and thence southerly to a point on land on Cape Gurney at 49°31.748' N, 124°36.139' W.

Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:01:46

Crab

Crab

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Status
Box and Puget Sound King crab 14 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Dungeness crab 14 165mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
King crab 14 0/0/0 Closed
Other crab 14 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Red Rock crab 14 115mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shore crab 14 Hand Picking 75/150/- Open (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2023-11-28 09:25:28

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Shellfish Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 14) 2021 Closed These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers (skin divers & SCUBA divers) for the preservation of unique underwater habitat.
Crab Coastwide Gear Restriction Gear Permitted Maximum of 2 ring nets, dip nets or traps or combination of these per fisher. Ensure gear is properly marked. Hand picking is permitted including by diving. No sharp-pointed instruments are permitted for harvesting crab. It is illegal to use snares in catching or attempting to catch crabs.
Reminder Keep navigation channels clear of buoys and lines. Any fishing gear that interferes with safe navigation can be removed under the Navigation Protection Act.
Crab Coastwide Gear Restriction Rot Cord - All crab traps must have a section in the top or sidewall that has been secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 (approximately 5 mm or 3/16 inch diameter). This twine is often referred to as rot cord. On deterioration this must produce a rectangular opening with a minimum size of 7 cm x 20 cm, or a square opening with a minimum size of 11 cm x 11 cm. This regulation is intended to ensure that if the trap is lost, the section secured by the cord will rot, allowing captive crabs to escape, and preventing the trap from continuing to fish. On traps with a rigid frame and a freely opening hinged lid the trap lid must be secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 so that the trap lid will open freely when the rot cord is broken. No other fastenings may impede the hinged lid of the trap from opening.
Coastwide Gear Restriction Crab traps are required to have two unobstructed circular escape holes or rings, measuring a minimum of 105 mm in diameter
Coastwide Gear Restriction Crab, Prawn and Shrimp Floats - The primary float attached to crab traps must be cylindrical in shape (includes bullet shaped) and a minimum of 27 cm in length and 12 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than spherical. The primary float attached to prawn and shrimp traps must be spherical in shape and a minimum of 27 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than cylindrical. Floats must be made of a durable material and suitable for operation in marine waters; floats/materials not suitable for use in marine waters are prohibited.
14 Reminder Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 4.
14 Time of Day Restrictions Daylight Hours - It is illegal to set or haul crab traps from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise; overnight soaking of traps is allowed.
King crab Coastwide Packaging and Transporting In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of King crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed.
Coastwide Sex Restriction As per the Conditions of Licence, it is prohibited to possess female King crab
Dungeness crab Coastwide Packaging and Transporting In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Dungeness crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed.
Sex Restriction It is prohibited to possess female Dungeness crab
Red Rock crab Coastwide Packaging and Transporting In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Red Rock crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed.
Sex Restriction It is prohibited to possess female Red Rock crab

Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:49:33

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 14) 2021 Strait_of_Georgia_Dive_Closures_(Area_14)_2021.jpeg Those portions of Subareas 14-5, 14-6, 14-7, 14-9, and 14-12: shoreward of a line drawn from Shingle Spit at 49°30.773' N, 124° 42.502' W southwesterly to a point in water at 49°30.674' N, 124° 42.887' W, thence southeasterly to a point on the Subarea 14-7 boundary line at 49° 28.820' N, 124° 39.541' W, thence northeasterly following the Subarea 14-7 boundary line to a point on at 49°29.030' N, 124°38.867' W, thence northeasterly to a point in water southeast of Tribune Bay at 49°30.400' N, 124°36.974' W, thence northwesterly to a point in water in Tribune Bay at 49°31.032' N, 124°38.055'W, thence northeasterly to a point in Tribune Bay at 49°31.219' N, 124° 37.776' W, thence southeasterly to a point in water at 49°30.730' N, 124°36.594' W, thence easterly to a point in water east of Flora Islet at 49°30.947' N, 124° 34.075' W, thence northwesterly to a point in water north of Cape Gurney at 49°32.189' N, 124°36.139' W, and thence southerly to a point on land on Cape Gurney at 49°31.748' N, 124°36.139' W.

Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:49:33

Other invertebrates

Other invertebrates

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Status
Abalone 14 0/0/0 Closed
Barnacles, Giant 14 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
Barnacles, Goose 14 Hand Picking 2kg/4kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Limpet 14 Hand Picking 75/150/- Open (See Restrictions)
Octopus 14 Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other shellfish species 14 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sand Dollar 14 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sea Cucumber 14 Diving, Hand Picking 12/24/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sea Urchin 14 Diving, Hand Picking 12/24/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shrimp, Ghost 14 Hand Digging, Hand Pump 50/100/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shrimp/Prawn 14 Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) 125/250/- Open (See Restrictions)
Squid, All other species 14 Cast Net, Jigging 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Squid, Opal 14 Cast Net, Jigging 200/400/- Open (See Restrictions)
Starfish sea star 14 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2024-03-16 00:15:37

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Shellfish Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 14) 2021 Closed These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers (skin divers & SCUBA divers) for the preservation of unique underwater habitat.
Octopus Coastwide Gear Restriction The use of sharp pointed instruments or chemicals is prohibited.
Shrimp/Prawn Coastwide Gear Restriction Crab, Prawn and Shrimp Floats - The primary float attached to crab traps must be cylindrical in shape (includes bullet shaped) and a minimum of 27 cm in length and 12 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than spherical. The primary float attached to prawn and shrimp traps must be spherical in shape and a minimum of 27 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than cylindrical. Floats must be made of a durable material and suitable for operation in marine waters; floats/materials not suitable for use in marine waters are prohibited.
Coastwide Gear Restriction Maximum 4 traps or ring nets or combination of these per fisher.
Coastwide Reminder Spot Prawns (Pandalus platyceros) with eggs: No person shall retain prawns carrying eggs, or remove eggs from the underside of prawns carrying eggs. All prawns carrying eggs externally on the underside of the tail shall be returned to the water immediately and in the manner that causes the least harm.
Coastwide Gear Restriction Traps must be marked with floating tag or buoy that has your name on it. This includes traps tied to a boat or dock or fished from shore. If two traps are attached to one ground-line, it is sufficient to attach a tag, float or buoy that bears the operator's name to one end of the ground-line.
Reminder Combined daily limit for all shrimp species, including prawn, is 125
Shrimp/Prawn Coastwide Season Planning FN1270-RECREATIONAL - Shellfish - Prawn and Shrimp - Areas 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 23, 25, 28 closures - Recreational prawn and shrimp harvesters are advised that the harvest of prawns and shrimp by trap, ring net, or spear while diving, will close from 00:01 hours January 1, 2024, to 23:59 hours, March 31, 2024, in the following Subareas as described in the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations: Subareas 13-1, 13-12 to 13-17 (Quadra/Cortes Islands); Subareas 15-1 to 15-3 (Powell River / Lund); Subareas 16-1, 16-2, 16-5 to 16-11, 16-16 to 16-18 (Malaspina Strait / lower Jervis Inlet and Sechelt / Salmon Inlets); Subareas 17-5, 17-6, 17-9 to 17-13, 17-15, 17-16, 17-18 (Nanaimo and portion of Stuart Channel); Subareas 19-9 to 19-12 (portion of Saanich Inlet); Subareas 23-1,23-2, and 23-4 (portion Alberni Inlet / Barkley Sound); Subareas 25-1 to 25-5, 25-8, 25-16 (Tahsis/Muchalat Inlets); and Subarea 28-4 (portion Howe Sound). These 3-month winter closures are in place to allow the prawn spawning period to complete. These areas re-open 00:01 hours April 1, 2024. Subareas 19-7, 19-8 (Portion Saanich Inlet) and 23-3 (portion Alberni Inlet) will continue "pulse fishing" (closed in the first half of the month and open in the second half of the month). These Subareas will close to the harvest of prawns and shrimp by trap, ring net, or spear while diving from: 00:01 hours January 1, 2024 to 23:59 hours January 15, 2024; 00:01 hours February 1, 2024 to 23:59 hours February 15, 2024; and 00:01 hours March 1, 2024 to 23:59 hours March 15, 2024. These areas re-open 00:01 hours March 16, 2024.

Last updated: 2024-03-13 13:38:22

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 14) 2021 Strait_of_Georgia_Dive_Closures_(Area_14)_2021.jpeg Those portions of Subareas 14-5, 14-6, 14-7, 14-9, and 14-12: shoreward of a line drawn from Shingle Spit at 49°30.773' N, 124° 42.502' W southwesterly to a point in water at 49°30.674' N, 124° 42.887' W, thence southeasterly to a point on the Subarea 14-7 boundary line at 49° 28.820' N, 124° 39.541' W, thence northeasterly following the Subarea 14-7 boundary line to a point on at 49°29.030' N, 124°38.867' W, thence northeasterly to a point in water southeast of Tribune Bay at 49°30.400' N, 124°36.974' W, thence northwesterly to a point in water in Tribune Bay at 49°31.032' N, 124°38.055'W, thence northeasterly to a point in Tribune Bay at 49°31.219' N, 124° 37.776' W, thence southeasterly to a point in water at 49°30.730' N, 124°36.594' W, thence easterly to a point in water east of Flora Islet at 49°30.947' N, 124° 34.075' W, thence northwesterly to a point in water north of Cape Gurney at 49°32.189' N, 124°36.139' W, and thence southerly to a point on land on Cape Gurney at 49°31.748' N, 124°36.139' W.

Last updated: 2024-03-13 13:38:22

Protected areas

Protected areas

Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:

Area Type Closure name
14-2 Glass Sponge Reef Parksville
14-3 Glass Sponge Reef Parksville
Rockfish Conservation Area Lasqueti Island South
Sisters Islets
14-4 Rockfish Conservation Area Sisters Islets
14-5 Rockfish Conservation Area Sisters Islets
14-6 Glass Sponge Reef East of Hornby Island
Rockfish Conservation Area Ajax-Achilles Bank
Sisters Islets
14-7 Rockfish Conservation Area Savoie Rocks - Maude Reef
14-8 Rockfish Conservation Area Baynes Sound
Chrome Island
14-12 Rockfish Conservation Area Ajax-Achilles Bank
14-13 Rockfish Conservation Area Mitlenatch Island
Oyster Bay

Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:24:51

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Ajax-Achilles Bank Ajax-Achilles_Bank.png Those waters of Subareas 14-6 and 14-12 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°39.500'N 124°43.420'W in water then to 49°40.900'N 124°39.600'W in water then to 49°33.000'N 124°28.500'W in water then to 49°31.950'N 124°29.250'W in water then to the beginning point.
Baynes Sound Baynes_Sound.png Those waters of Subarea 14-8 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°31.200'N 124°48.100'W in water then to 49°30.200'N 124°46.500'W in water then to 49°29.900'N 124°47.100'W in water then to 49°30.800'N 124°48.700'W in water then to the beginning point.
Chrome Island Chrome_Island.png Those waters of Subarea 14-8 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°28.489'N 124°41.129'W Boyle Point then to 49°28.332'N 124°41.112'W Chrome Island Light then to 49°28.067'N 124°43.700'W Mapleguard Point then to 49°28.311'N 124°44.195'W Mapleguard Buoy then to 49°28.918'N 124°43.946'W Repulse Point then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point
East of Hornby Island East_of_Hornby_Island.png That portion of Subarea 14-6 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°33.490'N 124°29.230'W then southerly to 49°32.701'N 124°28.760'W then to 49°31.657'N 124°29.434'W then to 49°31.663'N 124°29.896'W then to 49°32.651'N 124°29.752'W then to 49°33.340'N 124°29.935'W then to 49°33.498'N 124°29.773'W then to the beginning point.
Lasqueti Island South Lasqueti_Island_South.png Those waters of Subarea 14-3 the lie inside a line that: begins at 49°27.315'N 124°13.300'W east of Boat Cove then to 49°25.800'N 124°13.300'W in water then to 49°25.800'N 124°18.250'W in water then to 49°27.600'N 124°18.250'W near Jenkins Creek then following the shoreline to the beginning point.
Mitlenatch Island Mitlenatch_Island.png Those waters of Subareas 13-1, 14-13, 15-2 and 15-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°58.500'N 125°01.900'W in water then to 49°58.500'N 124°58.100'W in water then to 49°55.500'N 124°58.100'W in water then to 49°55.500'N 125°01.900'W in water then to the beginning point
Oyster Bay Oyster_Bay.png Those waters of Subarea 14-13 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°55.600'N 125°10.947'W south of Shelter Point then to 49°55.600'N 125°06.100'W in water then to 49°53.900'N 125°09.000'W shoreline then across Oyster Bay to the beginning point.
Parksville Parksville.png Those portions of Subareas 14-2 and 14-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°21.680'N 124°19.762'W then southeasterly to 49°21.514'N 124°18.893'W then to 49°21.191'N 124°17.723'W then to 49°21.064'N 124°17.724'W then to 49°20.725'N 124°18.380'W then to 49°21.432'N 124°19.811'W then to the beginning point.
Savoie Rocks - Maude Reef Savoie_Rocks-Maude_Reef.png Those waters of Subarea 14-7 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°29.800'N 124°40.522'W north of Norman Point then to 49°29.750'N 124°41.300'W in water then to 49°30.600'N 124°42.700'W in water then to 49°30.771'N 124°42.500'W Shingle Spit then southeasterly following the shoreline to the beginning point
Sisters Islets Sisters_Islets.png Those waters of Subareas 14-3 to 14-6 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°29.900'N 124°27.750'W in water then to 49°29.900'N 124°25.100'W in water then to 49°28.100'N 124°25.100'W in water then to 49°28.100'N 124°27.750'W in water then to the beginning point.

Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:24:51

Date modified: