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

Licence holders must follow fishing regulations unless otherwise specified in the Conditions of Licence.

How to follow the rules

  1. Make sure you have a current BC Tidal Waters sport fishing licence with you at all times. Are you using the FishingBC App for electronic licensing and catch recording? Learn more.
  2. Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
  3. Check the species regulations tables for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
  4. 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) Daily 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. The possession limit for most species is double the daily limit.
    • (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 starts on April 1 and ends the following March 31. Check "Restrictions" under each section for annual limits by species.
  5. Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
  6. Unless otherwise specified, fishing opportunities and closures end at 23:59 hrs on the close-date shown.

Related links

Area map

Area maps

This map is for information only and should not be used for fishing, navigation or other purposes.

Read the full disclaimer

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 Daily Limits Status
Chinook salmon (hatchery and wild combined) 14 62cm barbless hook and line 0 Non Retention
Chum salmon 14 30cm barbless hook and line 0 Non Retention
Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) 14 30cm barbless hook and line 0 Non Retention
Pink salmon 14 30cm barbless hook and line 4 Open
Sockeye salmon 14 30cm barbless hook and line 0 Non Retention

Last updated: 2025-05-06

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Finfish Comox Harbour Closed any gear or method (May 1 to Aug 31)
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed spear fishing while diving (year round )
Salmon Coastwide Daily Limit Pieces 4 - The daily limit for all species of Pacific salmon from tidal and fresh waters combined is four. Individual species limits also apply.
14 Gear Restriction You are not allowed to harvest using the following gears and methods:
  • barbed hook (year round )
Coastwide Reminder Hatchery (marked) salmon - Chinook and coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin.
Chinook salmon (hatchery and wild combined) 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.
Coastwide Reminder Keeping your chinook salmon? You must permanently record all retained catch (head-on length) on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. The licence holder may alternatively record retained catch immediately in an electronic licence held in an approved third-party application linked to their National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) account, or if mobile internet access is immediately available, directly in their NRLS account. The licence holder shall ensure that all mandatory catch records for the current licence year are produced, either on the licence (paper or electronic), or from the licence holder's NRLS account at the time of inspection.

Last updated: 2025-05-06

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Coastwide
Comox Harbour In Subarea 14-14, Courtenay River Mouth -, the waters of Comox Harbour inside a line from a fishing boundary sign near Trent River to a light at the tip of Goose Spit, except the shallow shore line defined as the waters inside and shoreward of the 2 m depth contour measured below the chart datum (0 tide). You may fish from the shoreline but not for Chinook Salmon.
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) 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: 2025-05-06

Other finfish

Finfish other than salmon

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Daily Limits Status
Codfish 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 8 Open
Eulachon 14 0 Closed
Finfish - all other species 14 angling, dip net, herring jig, herring rake, spear fishing while diving 20 Open
Greenling 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 3 Open
Halibut 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 1 Open
Herring 14 cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake 20kg Open
Lingcod 14 65cm angling, spear fishing while diving 1 Open
Mackerel 14 angling, dip net, herring jig, spear fishing while diving 100 Open
Northern Anchovy 14 cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake 20kg Open
Pacific sand lance 14 cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake 5kg Open
Pacific sardine 14 angling, dip net, herring jig, spear fishing while diving 100 Open
Rockfish - Yelloweye 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 0 Non Retention
Rockfish - all species except Yelloweye 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 1 Open
Sablefish 14 angling 4 Open
Sculpin 14 angling 8 Open
Shark - Basking 14 0 Closed
Shark - Blue 14 0 Closed
Shark - Brown Cat 14 0 Closed
Shark - Great White 14 0 Closed
Shark - Salmon 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 1 Open
Shark - Sixgill 14 0 Closed
Shark - Tope 14 0 Closed
Shark - all other species 14 0 Closed
Skate 14 angling 1 Open
Smelt 14 dip net, gill net 20kg Open
Sole or Flounder 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 8 Open
Spiny Dogfish 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 4 Open
Surfperch 14 angling 8 Open
Tuna - Albacore 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 20 Open
Tuna - Bluefin 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 20 Open
Tuna - all other species 14 angling, spear fishing while diving 20 Open
White Sturgeon 14 angling 0 Non Retention
Wolf Eel 14 angling 0 Non Retention

Species Areas Min size Gear Daily Limits Status
Trout (hatchery and wild combined) 14 30cm angling 2 Combined Total
* Consisting of no more than:
  • 2 - Hatchery - marked
  • 0 - Wild - unmarked
Open

Last updated: 2025-05-16

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Finfish Comox Harbour Closed any gear or method (May 1 to Aug 31)
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed spear fishing while diving (year round )
Finfish - all other species Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed spear fishing while diving (year round )
Herring Coastwide 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 Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed spear fishing while diving (year round )
Coastwide Reminder Species includes - Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod.
Greenling Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed spear fishing while diving (year round )
Halibut Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed spear fishing while diving (year round )
Coastwide Annual Limit Pieces 10 - The coastwide total annual limit for halibut is 10 from all tidal waters that are open to halibut retention.
Coastwide Maximum Length Head On (cm) 102 - The maximum overall length for halibut is 102 cm head-on, or 78 cm head-off.
Coastwide Reminder As a Condition of Licence, the possession limit is one (1) halibut. No person shall retain a halibut greater than 102 cm head-on length (78 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.
Coastwide Reminder You must permanently record all retained catch (head-on length) on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. The licence holder may alternatively record retained catch immediately in an electronic licence held in an approved third-party application linked to their National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) account, or if mobile internet access is immediately available, directly in their NRLS account. The licence holder shall ensure that all mandatory catch records for the current licence year are produced, either on the licence (paper or electronic), or from the licence holder's NRLS account at the time of inspection.
Lingcod Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed spear fishing while diving (year round )
14 Annual Limit Pieces 10 - The total annual limit for lingcod is 10 from the following tidal areas when they are open to lingcod retention - Areas 12 to 19 (excluding Subarea 12-14), Subareas 20-5 to 20-7, and 29-5.
14 Reminder Lingcod - Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm (21 in).
14 Reminder Areas 12 to 19 (excluding Subarea 12-14), Subareas 20-5 to 20-7, and 29-5 - You must permanently record all retained catch on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. The licence holder may alternatively record retained catch immediately in an electronic licence held in an approved third-party application linked to their National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) account, or if mobile internet access is immediately available, directly in their NRLS account. The licence holder shall ensure that all mandatory catch records for the current licence year are produced, either on the licence (paper or electronic), or from the licence holder's NRLS account at the time of inspection.
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).
Perch Coastwide Reminder Includes kelp, shiner and pile perch, and all species of surf and sea perch.
Rockfish Coastwide Reminder 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 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.
Sole or Flounder Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed spear fishing while diving (year round )
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.

Last updated: 2025-05-16

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Coastwide
Comox Harbour In Subarea 14-14, Courtenay River Mouth -, the waters of Comox Harbour inside a line from a fishing boundary sign near Trent River to a light at the tip of Goose Spit, except the shallow shore line defined as the waters inside and shoreward of the 2 m depth contour measured below the chart datum (0 tide). You may fish from the shoreline but not for Chinook Salmon.
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) 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: 2025-05-16

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. You can also see this in a map format by using our our real-time bivalve shellfish safety harvesting map.
  2. If no contamination closures are in effect, check species regulations and additional harvest restrictions.
  3. You are not allowed to harvest within the boundaries of an aquaculture facility. See our interactive map for currently licensed bivalve aquaculture facility locations or, where available, refer to signs and markers on the beach.
  4. Littleneck, Manila and butter clams are subject to a minimum size limit. See below under restrictions for more information on clam size limits.
  5. 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 species combined;Oyster - Pacific
14-2 Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific
14-3 Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific
14-4 Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific
14-5 Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;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 species combined;Oyster - Pacific
14-8 Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Clam - Varnish;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific;Scallop - other;Scallop - Pacific;Scallop - Pink;Scallop - Spiny
14-9 Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific
14-10 Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific
14-11 Clam - Butter;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific
14-12 Closed to All Bivalve Species
14-13 Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific
14-14 Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific
14-15 Clam - Butter;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Clam - Varnish;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific;Scallop - other;Scallop - Pacific;Scallop - Pink;Scallop - Spiny

Last updated: 2025-05-09

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Daily Limits
Clam - Butter 14 hand digging, hand picking 20
Clam - Horse 14 hand digging, hand picking 6
Clam - Littleneck 14 hand digging 60
Clam - Manila 14 hand digging 60
Clam - Razor 14 hand digging 12
Clam - Softshell 14 hand digging 25
Clam - Varnish 14 hand digging 60
Clam - all species combined 14 hand digging, hand picking 60
Cockles 14 hand digging, hand picking 25
Geoduck 14 hand digging, hand picking 3
Mussel - Blue 14 hand picking 75
Mussel - California 14 hand picking 25
Mussels - all species combined 14 hand picking 75
Oyster - Olympia 14 0
Oyster - all species except Olympia 14 hand picking 12
Scallop - Pink and Spiny 14 hand picking, hand picking while diving 75
Scallop - Purple-hinged rock 14 hand picking, hand picking while diving 6
Scallop - Weathervane 14 hand picking, hand picking while diving 6
Scallop - Weathervane and Purple-hinged rock combined 14 hand picking, hand picking while diving 6
Snail - Moon 14 hand picking 2
Snail - other 14 hand picking 75
Whelks 14 hand picking 75

Last updated: 2025-05-06

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Shellfish Rathtrevor Provincial Park Closed any gear or method (year round )
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed (year round )
Bivalve Species Coastwide Reminder Only aquaculture operators are allowed to harvest within the boundaries of licenced aquaculture facilities. Please be aware of the location of aquaculture facilities in the areas close to where you are intending to harvest.
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.
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.
Clam - Butter Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Clam - Horse Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Clam - Littleneck Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Clam - Manila Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Clam - Razor Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Clam - Softshell Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Clam - Varnish Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Clam - all species combined Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
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 Reminder It is illegal to use any mechanical apparatus or dredge for harvesting clams.
14 Reminder Clam harvesters are encouraged to fill in holes to reduce predation on exposed juvenile clams.
Cockles Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Geoduck Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mussel - Blue Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mussel - California Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mussels - all species combined Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
14 Reminder Combined daily limit for all mussel species is 75.
Oyster - Olympia Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Oyster - all species except Olympia Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Mitlenatch Island Closed hand picking (year round )
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
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.
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.
Snail - Moon 14 Reminder Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details.
Scallop - Purple-hinged rock Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Scallop - Pink and Spiny Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Scallop - Weathervane Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Closed hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round )
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Scallop - Weathervane and Purple-hinged rock combined Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Daily Limit Pieces 0
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek Possession Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Daily Limit Pieces 0
Little Qualicum River Possession Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Daily Limit Pieces 0
Qualicum Beach Possession Limit Pieces 0

Last updated: 2025-05-06

Area descriptions

Closure Map Area description
13.3 A portion of Discovery Passage to Kuhushan Point 13.3.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.ap Deep Bay, Baynes Sound, Oysters Only 14.ap.png The waters and intertidal foreshore of that portion of Subarea 14-8 inside a line commencing at Mapleguard Point, Deep Bay at 49°27.940' N 124°44.169' W northwest to a point in water at 49°28.208' N 124°46.154' W, thence southwest to a point on land at 49°28.061' N 124°46.339' W, thence south 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. [NAD83]
14.aw West Side of Denman Island, Baynes Sound, Landfile #1413888, Oysters Only 14.aw.png The waters and the intertidal foreshore of BC Land Registry aquaculture tenure #1413888, Subarea 14-8, off of the west coast of Denman Island in Baynes Sound, inside a line drawn from a point in water at 49°30.431' north latitude and 124°46.472' west longitude, thence southeast to a point in water at 49°30.374' north latitude and 124°46.344' west longitude, thence southwest to a point in water at 49°30.337' north latitude and 124°46.402' west longitude, thence northwest to a point in water at 49°30.406' north latitude and 124°46.509' west longitude. [NAD 83]
14.ay West Side of Denman Island, Baynes Sound, Landfile #0249854, Oysters Only 14.ay.png The waters and the intertidal foreshore of BC Land Registry aquaculture tenure #0249854, Subarea 14-15, off of the west coast of Denman Island in Baynes Sound, inside a line drawn from a point in water at 49°34.403' north latitude and 124°50.564' west longitude, then northeast to a point in water at 49°34.419' north latitude and 124°50.533' west longitude, then southwest to a point in water at 49°34.330' north latitude and 124°50.578' west longitude, then southeast to a point in water at 49°34.274' north latitude and 124°50.571' west longitude, then west to a point in water at 49°34.274' north latitude and 124°50.602' west longitude, then northwest to a point in water at 49°34.331' north latitude and 124°50.608' west longitude, then northeast to the point of commencement. [NAD 83]
14.az Mud Bay, Baynes Sound, Landfile #0335309, Oysters Only 14.az.png The waters and intertidal foreshore of that portion of Subarea 14-8 inside a line that commences at 49°28.850' N 124°47.010' W [in water] then in a straight line to 49°28.836' N 124°46.939' W [in water] then in a straight line to 49°28.764' N 124°46.843' W [in water] then in a straight line to 49°28.705' N 124°46.906' W [in water] then in a straight line to 49°28.761' N 124°47.081' W [in water] then in a straight line to 49°28.766' N 124°47.168' W [in water] then in a straight line to 49°28.816' N 124°47.248' W [in water] then in a straight line to 49°28.843' N 124°47.235' W [in water] then in a straight line to the point of commencement; including BC Land Registry Aquaculture Tenure #0335309. [NAD 83]
14.bc West Side of Denman Island, Baynes Sound, Oysters Only The waters and intertidal foreshore of that portion of Subarea 14-8 inside a line commencing at 49°30.322' N 124°46.634' W, thence northeast to a point on land at 49°30.441' N 124°46.444' W, thence southeast following the shoreline to a point on land at 49°30.187' N 124°46.107' W, thence southwest to a point in water at 49°30.122' N 124°46.293' W, thence northwest back to the point of commencement; including BC Land Registry Aquaculture Tenures #1413888 and #1405492. [NAD83]

Last updated: 2025-05-09

Area Map Area description
Coastwide
Englishman River and Parksville Bay to French Creek In Area 14: 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 [NAD 83].
Little Qualicum River In Area 14: 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.
Mitlenatch Island Those portions of Subareas 13-1, 14-13, 15-2 and 15-3 Waters within 0.5 nautical miles of Mitlenatch Island.
Qualicum Beach In Area 14: 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. [NAD 83]
Rathtrevor Provincial Park The following portion of Area 14: All Crown land covered by water in Nanoose Land District commencing at the northwest corner of Lot 41, being a point on the natural boundary of the Strait of Georgia; thence north 20° E for 281.7 m, thence due east 1.79 km, thence south 12° E for 1.49 km, thence southwesterly in a straight line 1.41 km to the northeast corner of Lot 1 of Lot 59, Plan 18359, being a point on the natural boundary of Strait of Georgia; thence in a general northerly direction along the high tide line to the point of commencement. (Rathtrevor Provincial Park)
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) 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: 2025-05-06

Crab

Crab

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Daily Limits Status
Crab - Box 14 dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap 1 Open
Crab - Dungeness 14 165mm dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap 4 Open
Crab - Dungeness and Red Rock combined 14 dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap 4 Open
Crab - King 14 0 Closed
Crab - Puget Sound King 14 dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap 1 Open
Crab - Red Rock 14 115mm dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap 4 Open
Crab - Shore 14 hand picking 75 Open
Crab - other 14 dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap 4 Open

Last updated: 2025-05-06

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Shellfish Rathtrevor Provincial Park Closed any gear or method (year round )
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed (year round )
Crab Coastwide Reminder As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - Traps must be marked with a tag, float or buoy that has your name and telephone number 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 and telephone number to one end of the ground-line.
Coastwide Reminder As a Condition of Licence, crab traps are required to have two unobstructed circular escape holes or rings, measuring a minimum of 105 mm in diameter.
Coastwide Reminder Rot Cord - As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996, 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 Reminder Crab, prawn and shrimp floats - As a Condition of Licence, 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.
Coastwide 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.
Coastwide Reminder 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 Reminder As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - 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.
Coastwide Reminder As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - A line or rope attached to a trap must be submerged in such a manner that the line or rope does not come into contact with a person or a boat.
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.
Crab - Box Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Crab - Dungeness Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
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.
Coastwide Sex Restriction It is prohibited to possess female Dungeness crab.
Crab - Red Rock Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
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.
Coastwide Sex Restriction It is prohibited to possess female Red Rock crab.
Crab - King Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
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 It is prohibited to possess female King crab.
Crab - Puget Sound King Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Coastwide Sex Restriction As a Condition of Licence, it is prohibited to possess female Puget Sound King Crab.
Crab - Brown Box Coastwide Sex Restriction As a Condition of Licence, it is prohibited to possess female Brown Box Crab.

Last updated: 2025-05-06

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Coastwide
Rathtrevor Provincial Park The following portion of Area 14: All Crown land covered by water in Nanoose Land District commencing at the northwest corner of Lot 41, being a point on the natural boundary of the Strait of Georgia; thence north 20° E for 281.7 m, thence due east 1.79 km, thence south 12° E for 1.49 km, thence southwesterly in a straight line 1.41 km to the northeast corner of Lot 1 of Lot 59, Plan 18359, being a point on the natural boundary of Strait of Georgia; thence in a general northerly direction along the high tide line to the point of commencement. (Rathtrevor Provincial Park)
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) 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: 2025-05-06

Other invertebrates

Other invertebrates

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Daily Limits Status
Abalone 14 0 Closed
Barnacles - Giant 14 diving 6 Open
Barnacles - Goose 14 hand picking 2kg Open
Invertebrates - all other species 14 angling, dip net, hand digging, hand picking, hand picking while diving, hand picking while snorkeling, hand pump, ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap 20 Open
Limpet 14 hand picking 75 Open
Octopus 14 angling, hand picking, hand picking while diving, trap 1 Open
Sand Dollar 14 hand picking 6 Open
Sea Cucumber 14 hand picking, hand picking while diving 12 Open
Sea Star or Starfish 14 diving, hand picking 6 Open
Sea Urchin 14 hand picking, hand picking while diving 12 Open
Shellfish - all other species 14 angling, dip net, hand digging, hand picking, hand picking while diving, hand pump, ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap 20 Open
Shrimp - Ghost 14 hand digging, hand pump 50 Open
Shrimp including prawn 14 ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap 125 Open
Squid - Opal 14 cast net, jigging 200 Open
Squid - all other species 14 cast net, jigging 20 Open

Last updated: 2025-05-06

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Shellfish Rathtrevor Provincial Park Closed any gear or method (year round )
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed (year round )
Other Invertebrates Coastwide Reminder Rot Cord - As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996, all open mesh octopus traps and shrimp/prawn 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 Reminder As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - Traps must be marked with a tag, float or buoy that has your name and telephone number 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 and telephone number to one end of the ground-line.
Coastwide Reminder As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - A line or rope attached to a trap must be submerged in such a manner that the line or rope does not come into contact with a person or a boat.
Coastwide Reminder 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.
Barnacles - Giant Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Octopus Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Coastwide Reminder The use of sharp pointed instruments or chemicals is prohibited.
Sea Cucumber Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Sea Urchin Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Shrimp including prawn Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Coastwide Reminder As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - 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 Reminder Crab, prawn and shrimp floats - As a Condition of Licence, 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.
Sea Star or Starfish Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )
Shellfish - all other species Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Closed diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round )

Last updated: 2025-05-06

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Coastwide
Rathtrevor Provincial Park The following portion of Area 14: All Crown land covered by water in Nanoose Land District commencing at the northwest corner of Lot 41, being a point on the natural boundary of the Strait of Georgia; thence north 20° E for 281.7 m, thence due east 1.79 km, thence south 12° E for 1.49 km, thence southwesterly in a straight line 1.41 km to the northeast corner of Lot 1 of Lot 59, Plan 18359, being a point on the natural boundary of Strait of Georgia; thence in a general northerly direction along the high tide line to the point of commencement. (Rathtrevor Provincial Park)
Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) Southeasterly Shoreline of Hornby Island (2) 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: 2025-05-06

Protected areas

Protected areas

Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:

Area Type Closure name
14-2 Glass Sponge Reef Parksville
14-3 Rockfish Conservation Area Lasqueti Island South
Glass Sponge Reef Parksville
Rockfish Conservation Area Sisters Islets
14-4 Rockfish Conservation Area Sisters Islets
14-5 Rockfish Conservation Area Sisters Islets
14-6 Rockfish Conservation Area Ajax-Achilles Bank
Glass Sponge Reef East of Hornby Islands
Rockfish Conservation Area 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: 2025-05-06

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Ajax-Achilles Bank Ajax-Achilles Bank 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 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 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 Islands East of Hornby Islands 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 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 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 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 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 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 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: 2025-05-06

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