Packaging and transport for recreationally harvested crab, prawn and other shellfish in B.C.

You may not retain or transport more than the daily limit or combined possession limits for any species as provided by regulations.

The following requirements apply until a crab, prawn or other shellfish either is prepared for immediate consumption, or arrives at the fisher’s ordinary residence (including a crab, prawn or other shellfish delivered and retrieved from a registered processing service).

If you clean or package your crab, prawn or other shellfish you must make sure that the species, number, and size of the fish are able to be readily determined when an enforcement authority inspects your catch to ensure that it complies with current regulations.

Label your container or cooler

When transporting or shipping catch, you:

• must package your catch separately with only one person’s name per package
• may ship your package(s) in a container with packages belonging to other people

We recommend you:

• list your package or container contents (number of fish, species and number of packages) on the outside to help with inspection
• store and transport your catch in containers and packages intended for food

Keep your shellfish cold

Keep your shellfish cooled between 0°C and 4°C (32 to 40°F) at all times.

• Use a clean and open container with ice packs
• Keep the container in the shade or under wet burlap
• Never keep shellfish in a sealed container or in freshwater as they will suffocate and die
• Do not mix different species of shellfish or fish

Species-specific rules

Bivalve shellfish

• You must leave bivalve shellfish sufficiently intact to be counted and identified until they arrive at your ordinary residence
• You may shuck or cook bivalve shellfish in the field (such as on a beach)

Crab

You must leave the shell of any sport-caught crab attached to the body until it is eaten or arrives at your ordinary residence so the size can be checked.

Related links

• Shellfish safety tips