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:
- Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
- Check the species regulations tables for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
- 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.
- Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
- 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.
Salmon
Salmon
- Learn about fishing for salmon
- Area 14 Comox, Parksville, Denman and Hornby Islands 2023 chinook openings and other management measures
- Area 14, Comox, Parksville, Denman and Hornby Islands, 2023 coho salmon and other management measures
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) | 14 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/- | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) |
| Coho salmon (wild) | 14 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention until Dec 31 (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: 2023-10-01 02:31:19
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. |
| Area 14 River Mouth Closures | Closed | ||
| 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. | |
| Courtenay River mouth and shoreline | Gear Restriction | Single Barbless Hook Only a single barbless hook may be used in the Courtenay River mouth and shoreline | |
| 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 and wild combined) | 14 | Combined Daily Limit Pieces | 2 - In times and areas where there is some combination of hatchery marked and wild (unmarked) Coho retention, the daily limit is two (2) Coho per day unless otherwise specified. You cannot add together the hatchery marked and wild (unmarked) limits to exceed two (2) Coho per day. Please see the species regulations and restrictions for specific limits on hatchery marked and wild (unmarked) Coho. |
| 14-11 | Daily Limit Pieces | 2 - Two Coho per day, only one (1) of which may be wild (unmarked). | |
| Coho salmon (hatchery) | Coastwide | Reminder | Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. |
Last updated: 2023-09-01 01:36:14
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Area 14 River Mouth Closures | In Subareas 14-11, 14-13, and 14-14, the tidal waters within a 75 m radius of the mouth of the Trent River, the mouth of Hart (Washer) Creek, Mallard Creek and Little River | |
| Courtenay River mouth and shoreline | Puntledge River, the Courtenay River mouth and shoreline | |
| 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: 2023-09-01 01:36:14
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 | 2/2/10 | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| 14 | 0/0/0 | Closed until | |||
| 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: 2023-10-01 02:30:43
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. |
| Area 14 River Mouth Closures | Closed | ||
| 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 | Closed | Recreational halibut fishing closes Coastwide as of midnight September 30. |
| Coastwide | Season Planning | Halibut: The recreational halibut fishery continues April 1, 2023 under the 2023/24 Conditions of Licence, and is expected to continue until December 31 2023. Non-residents of Canada wishing to fish and retain halibut in Areas 121, 23 and 123, must obtain their licence from a licence vendor in Canada - view: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/iap-fai-eng.html; that is, a licence purchased directly over the internet by a non-resident is not valid for halibut fishing in these areas. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | The daily and possession limit for halibut is EITHER of: one (1) halibut measuring 90 cm to 126 cm in length (69 cm to 97 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 126cm head-on length (97 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. | |
| 14 | Maximum Length Head On (cm) | 126 cm The maximum overall length for halibut is 126 cm head-on, or 97 cm head-off. | |
| 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: 2023-10-01 00:18:13
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Area 14 River Mouth Closures | In Subareas 14-11, 14-13, and 14-14, the tidal waters within a 75 m radius of the mouth of the Trent River, the mouth of Hart (Washer) Creek, Mallard Creek and Little River | |
| 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: 2023-10-01 00:18:13
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
- 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.
- Littleneck, Manila and butter clams are subject to a minimum size limit. See below under restrictions for more information on clam size limits.
- 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: 2023-10-01 02:30:32
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] |
Last updated: 2023-10-01 02:30:32
| 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. |
_2021.jpeg){kind=link}
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 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 75/150/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:47:48
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
- Basic information about shellfish harvesting
- Seasonal recreational harvesting closures for prawn and shrimp
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: 2023-10-01 01:37:52
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. |
| 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 |
Last updated: 2023-04-12 13:26:21
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 13:26:21
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: