Area 12 (Port Hardy, Robson Bight)
Area map
Area maps
For a written description of Areas please see the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations 2007.
Area 12: Download a printable PDF version of this map.
Popular species
Popular species
You're responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.
How to follow the rules
- Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
- Check the Species regulations table for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
- Check the Restrictions table for special exceptions and more detailed regulations.
- Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min Size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook Salmon | 12-14 | 45cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/30 | Open (See Restrictions) |
| 12-1 to 12-13,12-15 to 12-48 | 62cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/15 | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Chum Salmon | 12 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Coho Salmon (Hatchery & Wild Combined) | 12 | -/-/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Pink Salmon | 12 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Sockeye Salmon | 12 | -/-/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Halibut | 12 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Lingcod | 12-14 | 0/0/- | Closed | ||
| 12-1 to 12-13,12-15 to 12-48 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| Rockfish, All Species Combined | 12-14 | 0/0/- | Closed | ||
| 12-1 to 12-13,12-15 to 12-48 | 0/0/0 | Closed until Apr 30 | |||
| Dungeness Crab | 12 | 165mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
2019-01-25 15:33:20
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure Type | Measure Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Kingcome River | Closed | |
| Klinaklini River | Closed | ||
| Salmon | Coastwide | 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. |
| Chinook Salmon | Coastwide | Reminder | Keeping your chinook salmon? You must record (in ink) all retained catch on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. |
| Coho Salmon (Hatchery) | Coastwide | Reminder | Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. |
| Halibut | Coastwide | Reminder | The recreational halibut fishery is closed The recreational halibut fishery is closed; management actions for 2019 including opening date will be confirmed following the International Pacific Halibut Commission meetings and Sport Fishing Advisory Board of BC meetings in late January/early February 2019. |
| Lingcod | 12 | Reminder | Lingcod: fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.) Lingcod: fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.) |
| Rockfish, All Species Combined | 12-14 | Daily Limit Pieces | 3 - Daily limit of 3 Rockfish per day, of which only 1 may be a China Rockfish or a Tiger Rockfish or a Quillback Rockfish |
| 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. |
| 12 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 4. | |
| 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 crabs |
Area Descriptions
| Area | Map | Area Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kingcome River | Subarea 12-46, the mouth of Kingcome River shoreward of a line from a fishing boundary sign on Petley Point to a fishing boundary sign on a point on the opposite shore of Kingcome Inlet. | |
| Klinaklini River | Subarea 12-34, the waters of the mouth of Klinaklini River (Knight Inlet) shoreward of a line from a fishing boundary sign at the southern entrance to Wahshihlas Bay to a fishing boundary sign at Rubble Point. |
2019-01-25 15:31:34
Salmon
Salmon
You're responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.
How to follow the rules
- Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
- Check the Species regulations table for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
- Check the Restrictions table for special exceptions and more detailed regulations.
- Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min Size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook Salmon | 12-14 | 45cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/30 | Open (See Restrictions) |
| 12-1 to 12-13,12-15 to 12-48 | 62cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/15 | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Chum Salmon | 12 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Coho Salmon (Hatchery & Wild Combined) | 12 | -/-/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Pink Salmon | 12 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Sockeye Salmon | 12 | -/-/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) |
2019-01-25 15:35:27
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure Type | Measure Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Klinaklini River | Closed | |
| Kingcome River | Closed | ||
| Salmon | Coastwide | 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. |
| Chinook Salmon | Coastwide | Reminder | Keeping your chinook salmon? You must record (in ink) all retained catch on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. |
| Coho Salmon (Hatchery) | Coastwide | Reminder | Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. |
Area Descriptions
| Area | Map | Area Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kingcome River | Subarea 12-46, the mouth of Kingcome River shoreward of a line from a fishing boundary sign on Petley Point to a fishing boundary sign on a point on the opposite shore of Kingcome Inlet. | |
| Klinaklini River | Subarea 12-34, the waters of the mouth of Klinaklini River (Knight Inlet) shoreward of a line from a fishing boundary sign at the southern entrance to Wahshihlas Bay to a fishing boundary sign at Rubble Point. |
2019-01-25 15:35:55
Other finfish
Other finfish
You're responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.
How to follow the rules
- Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
- Check the Species regulations table for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
- Check the Restrictions table for special exceptions and more detailed regulations.
- Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min Size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herring | 12 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Albacore Tuna | 12 | Hook and Line | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Eulachon | 12 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Mackerel | 12 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line | 100/200/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Northern Anchovy | 12 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Other Finfish species | 12 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Pacific Sand Lance | 12 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 5kg/10kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Pacific Sardine | 12 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 100/200/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Surf Smelt | 12 | Dip Net, Gill Net | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Tuna, All other species | 12 | Hook and Line | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| All other shark species | 12 | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Bocaccio Rockfish | 12-14 | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Codfish | 12 | Hook and Line, Spear | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Greenling | 12 | Hook and Line, Spear | 3/6/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Halibut | 12 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Lingcod | 12-14 | 0/0/- | Closed | ||
| 12-1 to 12-13,12-15 to 12-48 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| Perch | 12 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, All Species Combined | 12-14 | 0/0/- | Closed | ||
| 12-1 to 12-13,12-15 to 12-48 | 0/0/0 | Closed until Apr 30 | |||
| Sablefish | 12 | Hook and Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Salmon Shark | 12 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sculpin | 12 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark including Basking, Tope, Bluntnose, Sixgill, Blue, Brown Cat and Great White | 12 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Skate | 12 | Hook and Line | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sole/Flounder | 12 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Spiny Dogfish | 12 | Hook and Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sturgeon | 12 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Trout (Hatchery) | 12 | 30cm | Hook and Line | 2/4/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Trout (Wild) | 12 | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Wolf Eel | 12 | Catch and Release only | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Yelloweye Rockfish | 12-14 | Hook and Line, Spear | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) |
2019-01-25 15:35:52
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure Type | Measure Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Kingcome River | Closed | |
| Klinaklini River | Closed | ||
| Herring | 12 | Reminder | Harvesting of herring roe from marine plants or plants placed in the water for the purpose of harvesting herring roe is prohibited. |
| Codfish | 12 | Reminder | Species includes: Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod. |
| Halibut | Coastwide | Reminder | The recreational halibut fishery is closed The recreational halibut fishery is closed; management actions for 2019 including opening date will be confirmed following the International Pacific Halibut Commission meetings and Sport Fishing Advisory Board of BC meetings in late January/early February 2019. |
| Lingcod | 12 | Reminder | Lingcod: fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.) Lingcod: fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.) |
| Perch | 12 | Reminder | Includes kelp, shiner and pile perch, and all species of surf and sea perch |
| Rockfish, All Species Combined | 12-14 | Daily Limit Pieces | 3 - Daily limit of 3 Rockfish per day, of which only 1 may be a China Rockfish or a Tiger Rockfish or a Quillback Rockfish |
| Bocaccio Rockfish | 12-14 | Non Retention | Zero (0) retention for Bocaccio Rockfish Zero (0) retention for Bocaccio Rockfish |
| Yelloweye Rockfish | 12-14 | Non Retention | Zero (0) retention of Yelloweye Rockfish Zero (0) retention of Yelloweye Rockfish |
Area Descriptions
| Area | Map | Area Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kingcome River | Subarea 12-46, the mouth of Kingcome River shoreward of a line from a fishing boundary sign on Petley Point to a fishing boundary sign on a point on the opposite shore of Kingcome Inlet. | |
| Klinaklini River | Subarea 12-34, the waters of the mouth of Klinaklini River (Knight Inlet) shoreward of a line from a fishing boundary sign at the southern entrance to Wahshihlas Bay to a fishing boundary sign at Rubble Point. |
2019-01-25 15:36:23
Bivalve shellfish
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 and snails
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 can also accumulate toxins and pollutants.
Is it safe to harvest bivalve shellfish now in this location?
- Check for contamination in the subarea where you plan to harvest.
- If no contamination closures are in effect, check species regulations and additional harvest restrictions.
Questions? Contact Elysha Gordon, Canadian Shellfish Sanitation Program Coordinator:
250-756-7192
Elysha.Gordon@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Bivalve shellfish contamination
| Subarea | Marine biotoxin update (open bivalve species) | Sanitary contamination closures (closed to shellfish harvesting) |
|---|---|---|
| 12-1 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-2 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-3 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-4 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-5 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-6 |
|
|
| 12-7 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-8 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-9 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-10 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-11 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-12 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-13 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-14 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-15 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-16 | Butter Clam;Cockles | |
| 12-17 | Butter Clam;Cockles | |
| 12-18 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-19 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-20 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-21 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-22 | Butter Clam;Cockles | |
| 12-23 | Butter Clam;Cockles | |
| 12-24 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-25 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-26 | Butter Clam;Cockles | |
| 12-27 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-28 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-29 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-30 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-31 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-32 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-33 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-34 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-35 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-36 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-37 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-38 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-39 | ||
| 12-40 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-41 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-42 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-43 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-44 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-45 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-46 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-47 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 12-48 | Closed to All Bivalve Species |
2019-01-25 15:26:43
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mussel | 12 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
| Butter Clam | 12 | Hand Digging | 25/50/- |
| California Mussel | 12 | Hand Picking | 25/50/- |
| Clams | 12 | Hand Digging | 75/150/- |
| Cockles | 12 | Hand Digging | 25/50/- |
| Geoduck | 12 | Hand Digging, Hand Picking | 3/6/- |
| Horse Clam | 12 | Hand Digging | 6/12/- |
| Littleneck Clam | 12 | Hand Digging | 75/150/- |
| Manila Clam | 12 | Hand Digging | 75/150/- |
| Moon Snail | 12 | Hand Picking | 2/4/- |
| Olympia Oyster | 12 | 0/0/0 | |
| Other Snail | 12 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
| Pacific Oyster | 12 | Hand Picking | 15/30/- |
| Pink And Spiny Scallop | 12 | Diving, Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
| Razor Clam | 12 | Hand Digging | 12/24/- |
| Rock Scallop | 12 | Diving, Hand Picking | 6/12/- |
| Softshell Clam | 12 | Hand Digging | 25/50/- |
| Varnish Clam | 12 | Hand Digging | 75/150/- |
| Weathervane Scallop | 12 | Diving, Hand Picking | 6/12/- |
2019-01-25 15:53:53
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure Type | Measure Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Clams | 12 | 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 | 12 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for all mussel species is 75. |
| Pacific Oyster | 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. |
| 12 | Packaging and Transporting | 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. |
2019-01-25 15:54:22
Crab
Crab
You're responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.
How to follow the rules
- Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
- Check the Species regulations table for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
- Check the Restrictions table for special exceptions and more detailed regulations.
- Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min Size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska King Crab | 12 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Box And Puget Sound King Crab | 12 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Dungeness Crab | 12 | 165mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Other Crab | 12 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Red Rock Crab | 12 | 115mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Shore Crab | 12 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 75/150/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
2019-01-25 15:37:55
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure Type | Measure Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 12 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 4. |
| 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 crabs | ||
| 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 crabs. |
2019-01-25 15:37:24
Other invertebrates
Other invertebrates
You're responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.
How to follow the rules
- Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
- Check the Species regulations table for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
- Check the Restrictions table for special exceptions and more detailed regulations.
- Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abalone | 12 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |
| Ghost Shrimp | 12 | Hand Digging, Hand Pump | 50/100/- | Open |
| Giant Barnacles | 12 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
| Goose Barnacles | 12 | Hand Picking | 2kg/4kg/- | Open |
| Limpet | 12 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- | Open |
| Octopus | 12 | Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open |
| Opal Squid | 12 | Cast Net, Jigging | 200/400/- | Open |
| Other Shellfish species | 12 | 20/40/- | Open | |
| Sand Dollar | 12 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
| Sea Cucumber | 12 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open |
| Sea Urchin | 12 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open |
| Shrimp/Prawn | 12 | Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) | 200/400/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Squid, All other species | 12 | Cast Net, Jigging | 20/40/- | Open |
| Starfish Sea Star | 12 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
2019-02-01 00:16:24
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure Type | Measure Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp/Prawn | Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Maximum 4 traps or ring nets or combination of these per fisher. |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Prawns 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 | Floats 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 200. |
2019-01-25 15:55:19
Protected areas
Protected areas
Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:
| Area | Type | Closure Name |
|---|---|---|
| 12-2 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Havannah Channel |
| 12-3 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Cracroft Point South - Sophia Islands |
| Havannah Channel | ||
| West Cracroft Island | ||
| Weynton Passage | ||
| 12-4 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Weynton Passage |
| 12-6 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Eden - Bonwick - Midsummer - Swanson Islands |
| Numas Islands | ||
| Salmon Channel | ||
| 12-7 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Dickson - Polkinghorne Islands |
| Eden - Bonwick - Midsummer - Swanson Islands | ||
| Numas Islands | ||
| Salmon Channel | ||
| 12-8 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Numas Islands |
| Susquash | ||
| 12-9 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Numas Islands |
| Susquash | ||
| 12-10 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Susquash |
| 12-11 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Bolivar Passage |
| Browning Passage | ||
| Susquash | ||
| 12-12 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Bate - Shadwell Passage |
| Susquash | ||
| 12-13 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Bolivar Passage |
| Browning Islands to Raynor Group | ||
| Shelter Bay | ||
| Susquash | ||
| 12-14 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Susquash |
| 12-15 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Goletas Channel |
| Susquash | ||
| 12-16 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Hardy Bay - Five Fathom Rock |
| Susquash | ||
| 12-17 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Susquash |
| 12-18 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Haddington Passage |
| Weynton Passage | ||
| 12-19 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Haddington Passage |
| 12-21 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Cracroft Point South - Sophia Islands |
| 12-22 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Havannah Channel |
| 12-23 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Havannah Channel |
| Upper Call Inlet | ||
| 12-26 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Eden - Bonwick - Midsummer - Swanson Islands |
| Havannah Channel | ||
| Lower Clio Channel | ||
| Port Elizabeth | ||
| Viscount Island | ||
| 12-35 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Kwatsi Bay |
| Thompson Sound | ||
| Viscount Island | ||
| 12-36 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Thompson Sound |
| 12-37 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Bond Sound |
| 12-39 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Eden - Bonwick - Midsummer - Swanson Islands |
| Nowell Channel | ||
| 12-40 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Greenway Sound |
| 12-41 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Burley Bay - Nepah Lagoon |
| Dickson - Polkinghorne Islands | ||
| Mackenzie - Nimmo | ||
| 12-42 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Drury Inlet - Muirhead Islands |
| 12-45 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Belleisle Sound |
| 12-48 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Wakeman Sound |
Area Descriptions
| Area | Map | Area Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bate - Shadwell Passage | Bate-Shadwell_Passage.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-12 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°56.000'N 127°50.263'W Cape James then to 50°55.800'N 127°48.000'W in water then to 50°54.960'N 127°44.155'W Cholberg Point then southerly following the shoreline of Nigei Island to 50°53.757'N 127°48.984'W Nigei Island then to 50°54.288'N 127°49.942'W Pivot Point then northerly following the shoreline to the beginning point |
| Belleisle Sound | Belleisle_Sound.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-45 that lie southerly of a line: From 50°54.200'N 126°25.248'W shoreline to 50°54.200'N 126°25.043'W shoreline |
| Bolivar Passage | Bolivar_Passage.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-11 and 12-13 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°55.100'N 127°34.928'W unnamed island then to 50°55.651'N 127°32.603'W Ragged Rock then to 50°54.300'N 127°31.279'W unnamed island then following the southwesterly shoreline to 50°54.158'N 127°31.154'W unnamed island then to 50°53.976'N 127°31.055'W Staples Island then following the westerly shoreline of Staples Island to 50°53.100'N 127°31.664'W Staples Island then to 50°52.300'N 127°33.400'W in water then to 50°53.600'N 127°35.800'W in water then to 50°54.000'N 127°35.256'W Redfern Island then following the southerly shoreline of Redfern Island to 50°54.150'N 127°34.876'W Redfern Island then to 50°54.437'N 127°34.258'W unnamed island then following the easterly shoreline to 50°55.100'N 127°34.900'W unnamed island then to the beginning point. |
| Bond Sound | Bond_Sound.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-37 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°49.964'N 126°12.941'W shoreline then to 50°49.541'N 126°11.527'W Loaf Point then to 50°52.403'N 126°10.756'W shoreline then following the shoreline to the beginning point |
| Browning Islands to Raynor Group | Browning_Islands_to_Raynor_Group.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-13 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°52.347'N 127°10.829'W Aylmer Point then to 50°52.300'N 127°12.733'W Gillot Rock then to 50°52.790'N 127°14.253'W Raynor Group then following the northeasterly shoreline to 50°53.123'N 127°14.802'W Raynor Group then to 50°53.094'N 127°14.967'W Brandon Rock then to 50°53.917'N 127°18.827'W Shell Islet then to 50°53.734'N 127°19.654'W Browning Islands then following the northeasterly shoreline to 50°53.908'N 127°20.085'W Browning Islands then to 50°55.017'N 127°21.939'W Stuart Point then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point |
| Browning Passage | Browning_Passage.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-11 that lie inside a line that:begins at 50°54.079'N 127°41.817'W Nigei Island then to 50°54.600'N 127°40.867'W in water then to 50°52.533'N 127°38.885'W Cardigan Rocks then to 50°52.071'N 127°38.737'W Raglan Point then to 50°50.534'N 127°37.879'W Balaklava Island then to 50°50.534'N 127°39.641'W Nigei Island then following the shoreline in a northwesterly direction to the beginning point. |
| Burley Bay - Nepah Lagoon | Burley_Bay-Nepah_Lagoon.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-41 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°56.056'N 126°46.500'W shoreline then to 50°55.541'N 126°46.500'W shoreline then westerly following the shoreline to 50°55.224'N 126°48.100'W Hopetown Passage then to 50°55.287'N 126°48.100'W Watson Island then following the easterly shoreline of Watson Island to 50°56.858'N 126°49.332'W shoreline then to 50°57.417'N 126°49.407'W shoreline then following the shoreline around Nepah Lagoon to the beginning point. |
| Cracroft Point South - Sophia Islands | Cracroft_Point_South-Sophia_Islands.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-3 and 12-21 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°32.033'N 126°37.188'W south of Growler Cove then to 50°31.808'N 126°37.526'W Sophia Islands then to 50°32.889'N 126°40.633'W Cracroft Point then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Dickson - Polkinghorne Islands | Dickson-Polkinghorne_Islands.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-7 and 12-41 that lie inside a line that begins at 50°50.050'N 126°58.100'W Ommaney Islet then to 50°50.300'N 126°56.850'W Dickson Island then following the northerly shoreline of Dickson Island to 50°50.550'N 126°56.033'W Dickson Island then to 50°50.700'N 126°55.574'W Bourmaster Point then southerly following the shoreline to 50°50.225'N 126°54.300'W Tidal Rapids then to 50°50.195'N 126°54.300'W Tidal Rapids then southerly following the shoreline to 50°48.300'N 126°53.000'W Card Point then to 50°47.183'N 126°54.600'W Brig Rock then to 50°47.200'N 126°54.890'W Fantome Point then following the northeasterly shoreline of Polkinghorne Islands to 50°48.216'N 126°56.541'W Polkinghorne Islands then to 50°48.820'N 126°56.445'W Vincent Island then to 50°49.220'N 126°57.382'W Percy Island then to the beginning point. |
| Drury Inlet - Muirhead Islands | Drury_Inlet-Muirhead_Islands.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-42 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°56.174'N 127°08.428'W shoreline then to 50°56.054'N 127°08.261'W Charlotte Point then easterly following the shoreline to 50°55.229'N 127°05.000'W Collinson Bay then to 50°54.007'N 127°05.000'W shoreline then following the shoreline easterly around Macgowan Bay, and Sutherland Bay to the beginning point. |
| Eden - Bonwick - Midsummer - Swanson Islands | Eden-Bonwick-Midsummer-Swanson_Islands.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-6, 12-7, 12-26 and 12-39 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°45.000'N 126°45.000'W in water then to 50°45.510'N 126°42.831'W Duff Point then southerly following the shoreline of Eden Island to 50°44.402'N 126°41.178'W Eden Island then to 50°43.613'N 126°41.170'W Crib Island then to 50°42.933'N 126°41.656'W Hudson Island then to 50°42.095'N 126°41.386'W unnamed islet then to 50°42.236'N 126°40.661'W west of Betty Cove then southerly following the shoreline of Bonwick Island to 50°41.135'N 126°40.152'W west of Success Point then to 50º 40.756'N 126º 41.353'W Sedge Island then following the northerly shoreline of Sedge Island to 50º 40.667'N 126º 41.568'W Sedge Island then to 50°40.000'N 126°41.600'W Canoe Islets then to 50°39.667'N 126°40.674'W Wolf Island then following the southerly shoreline of Wolf Island to 50°39.549'N 126°40.292'W Wolf Island then to 50°39.700'N 126°37.900'W Morning Islets then to 50°39.600'N 126°37.100'W Gilford Island then to 50°37.867'N 126°34.350'W Warr Bluff then following the westerly shoreline of Village Island to 50°36.715'N 126°33.863'W Village Island then to 50°36.386'N 126°34.628'W Hail Islets then to 50°36.245'N 126°36.275'W Alder Island then to 50°35.331'N 126°36.337'W Harbledown Island then westerly following the shoreline of Harbledown Island to 50°35.555'N 126°40.206'W Whitebeach Passage then to 50°35.737'N 126°40.202'W Sarah Islets then to 50°36.170'N 126°41.222'W Stoker Point then northerly and westerly following the shoreline of Swanson Island to 50°37.691'N 126°43.572'W Swanson Island then to 50°38.075'N 126°43.339'W Wedge Island Light then following the easterly shoreline of Wedge Island to 50°38.310'N 126°43.273'W Wedge Island then to 50°40.700'N 126°42.100'W Sedge Islands then to 50°43.200'N 126°43.467'W near Kate Islet then to 50°43.500'N 126°43.100'W near Crib Island then to 50°43.500'N 126°45.000'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Goletas Channel | Goletas_Channel.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-15 that lie easterly of a line: From 50°52.823'N 127°50.639'W Nigei Island To 50°51.200'N 127°51.500'W Vancouver Island |
| Greenway Sound | Greenway_Sound.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-40 that lie inside of a line that: begins at 50°51.755'N 126°44.036'W Cardale Head then to 50°51.587'N 126°42.370'W Walker Point then around Greenway Sound to 50°50.247'N 126°48.870'W shoreline then true north to 50°50.325'N 126°48.870'W Broughton Point then following the southerly shoreline of North Broughton Island to the beginning point |
| Haddington Passage | Haddington_Passage.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-18 and 12-19 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°36.155'N 127°02.297'W Neill Ledge Buoy then to 50°36.600'N 127°00.400'W Haddington Reefs then to 50°34.969'N 127°01.411'W Broad Point Light |
| Hardy Bay - Five Fathom Rock | In Hardy Bay, those waters of Subarea 12-16 that lie within 150 metres of the Pinnacle located at approximately 50°44.600' north latitude and 127°29.200' west longitude as shown on Chart No. 3548 (published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service of Canada) and known locally as Five Fathom Rock. | |
| Havannah Channel | Havannah_Channel.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-2, 12-3, 12-22, 12-23 and 12-26 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°33.250'N 126°16.757'W Mist Bluff then through the Mist Islets to 50°33.250'N 126°16.152'W shoreline then following the southerly shoreline of East Cracroft Island to 50°34.737'N 126°13.000'W west of Root Point then to 50°35.100'N 126°12.622'W Hadley Bay then easterly following the shoreline to 50°35.100'N 126°10.821'W shoreline then through Warren Island to 50°34.533'N 126°10.347'W shoreline then southerly and westerly following the shoreline to 50°30.700'N 126°16.649'W shoreline then through the Broken Islands to 50°30.739'N 126°20.993'W Escape Reef then to 50°31.000'N 126°24.571'W Bush Islets then to 50°31.200'N 126°24.915'W shoreline then following the southeasterly shoreline of West Cracroft Island to the beginning point. |
| Kwatsi Bay | Kwatsi_Bay.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-35 that lie northerly of a line: From 50°50.772'N 126°16.810'W shoreline To 50°50.634'N 126°15.681'W Kwatsi Point |
| Lower Clio Channel | Lower_Clio_Channel.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-26 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°35.356'N 126°27.543'W Turnour Bay then to 50°34.286'N 126°27.543'W West Cracroft Island then westerly following the shoreline of West Cracroft Island to 50°33.114'N 126°33.191'W West Cracroft Island then to 50°33.397'N 126°33.191'W Harbledown Island then following the easterly shoreline of Harbledown Island to 50°34.943'N 126°32.080'W Harbledown Island then to 50°35.397'N 126°31.982'W Turnour Point |
| Mackenzie - Nimmo | Mackenzie-Nimmo.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-41 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°56.363'N 126°41.100'W shoreline then to 50°56.261'N 126°41.100'W shoreline then southerly following the shoreline to 50°56.045'N 126°41.100'W shoreline then to 50°55.726'N 126°41.100'W shoreline then westerly following the shoreline to 50°55.737'N 126°44.068'W shoreline then through Turner Island to 50°56.360'N 126°44.068'W shoreline then following the shoreline around Stirling Point, Nimmo Point and Nimmo Bay to the beginning point. |
| Nowell Channel | Nowell_Channel.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-39 that lie inside a line that begins at 50°46.083'N 126°44.505'W North of Gordon Point then to 50°46.058'N 126°44.774'W unnamed island then following the northerly shoreline to 50°46.016'N 126°45.015'W unnamed island then to 50°46.010'N 126°45.048'W unnamed island then following the northerly shoreline to 50°45.782'N 126°45.471'W unnamed island then to 50°45.000'N 126°47.200'W in water then to 50°46.973'N 126°50.891'W Gawler Point then easterly following the shoreline around Booker Lagoon to the beginning point. |
| Numas Islands | Numas_Islands.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-6 to 12-9 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°47.900' N 127°07.600' W in water then to 50°46.600' N 127°02.400' W in water then to 50°44.300' N 127°04.000' W in water then to 50°45.700' N 127°09.300' W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Port Elizabeth | Port_Elizabeth.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-26 that lie westerly of a line: From 50°40.370'N 126°27.658'W east of Maple Cove To 50°40.144'N 126°28.168'W Gilford Island |
| Salmon Channel | Salmon_Channel.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-6 and 12-7 that lie inside a line that:begins at 50°42.500'N 126°52.300'W near Foster Rock then to 50°44.200'N 126°48.900'W near Holford Rocks then to 50°44.100'N 126°48.250'W near Holford Islets then to 50°41.325'N 126°48.504'W near Penfold Islet then to 50°41.800'N 126°50.900'W near Twin Islets then to the beginning point. |
| Shelter Bay | Shelter_Bay.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-13 that lie inside a line that begins at 50°55.611'N 127°24.481'W shoreline then to 50°55.669'N 127°24.617'W Robertson Island then following the northerly shoreline of Robertson Island to 50°55.774'N 127°24.940'W Robertson Island then to 50°57.331'N 127°30.223'W Wentworth Rock then to 50°58.100'N 127°30.200'W in water then to 50°58.520'N 127°28.155'W Westcott Point then southerly following the shoreline to the beginning point |
| Susquash | Susquash.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-8 and 12-17 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°39.536'N 127°16.947'W False Head then to 50°39.900'N 127°16.000'W in water then to 50°37.800'N 127°11.800'W in water then to 50°37.300'N 127°12.400'W Vancouver Island then northwesterly following the Vancouver Island shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Thompson Sound | Thompson_Sound.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-35 and 12-36 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°47.243'N 126°04.064'W shoreline then to 50°47.119'N 126°01.198'W shoreline then westerly following the shoreline of Thompson Sound to 50°44.597'N 126°07.436'W Cleave Point then to 50°46.168'N 126°08.333'W east of London Point then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point |
| Upper Call Inlet | Upper_Call_Inlet.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-23 that lie easterly of a line that: begins at 50°35.874'N 126°07.855'W shoreline then to 50°35.581'N 126°07.567'W shoreline |
| Viscount Island | Viscount_Island.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-26 and 12-35 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°43.552'N 126°12.127'W shoreline then to 50°42.797'N 126°11.903'W Viscount Island then southerly following the Viscount Island shoreline to 50°41.300'N 126°12.077'W Sargeaunt Passage then to 50°41.300'N 126°11.833'W Sargeaunt Passage then southerly following the shoreline to 50°40.109'N 126°11.089'W Steep Head then to 50°39.993'N 126°11.794'W Viscount Island then easterly following the shoreline of Viscount Island to 50°39.846'N 126°12.493'W Viscount Island then to 50°39.402'N 126°14.312'W Shewell Island then following the northerly shoreline of Shewell Island to 50°38.997'N 126°15.985'W Shewell Island then through the Doctor Islets to 50°39.005'N 126°18.051'W Gilford Island then northerly following the shoreline to the beginning point |
| Wakeman Sound | Wakeman_Sound.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-48 that lie northerly of the parallel passing through 50°59.800' north latitude. |
| West Cracroft Island | West_Cracroft_Island.png | Those waters of Subarea 12-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°31.203'N 126°31.213'W shoreline then to 50°30.700'N 126°31.200'W in water then to 50°30.800'N 126°33.700'W in water then to 50°31.500'N 126°33.556'W east of Boat Bay then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Weynton Passage | Weynton_Passage.png | Those waters of Subareas 12-3, 12-4 and 12-18 that lie inside a line that begins at 50°37.122'N 126°49.800'W Donegal Head then to 50°35.200'N 126°48.324'W Ksuiladas Island then to 50°34.294'N 126°47.250'W Hanson Island then follow the westerly shore of Hanson Island to 50°33.867'N 126°46.533'W Hanson Island then to 50°34.467'N 126°51.833'W Pearse Islands then following the northerly shore of Pearce Island to 50°35.033'N 126°53.133'W Pearse Islands then to the beginning point |
2019-01-25 15:43:01
- Date modified: