BC tidal area 15 - Powell River, Texada Island: 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 15: Download a printable PDF version of this map.
Salmon
Salmon
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon | 15 | 62cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/10 | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Chum salmon | 15 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Coho salmon (hatchery) | 15 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Coho salmon (wild) | 15-2 to 15-6 | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| 15-1 | Barbless Hook & Line | -/-/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Pink salmon | 15 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Sockeye salmon | 15 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2023-01-12 15:15:14
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15) | Closed | These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers (skin divers & SCUBA divers) for the preservation of unique underwater habitat. |
| Salmon | Coastwide | Combined Daily Limit Pieces | 4 - The daily limit for all species of Pacific salmon from tidal and fresh waters combined is 4. Individual species limits also apply. |
| Coastwide | Possession Limit Pieces | 8 - The possession limit for all salmon from all waters is twice the daily limit. You cannot possess more than eight salmon in total, except for salmon that are at your ordinary residence. | |
| Chinook salmon | Coastwide | Reminder | Keeping your chinook salmon? You must permanently record all retained catch on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. If mobile internet access is immediately available, the licence holder may alternatively record catch immediately in their National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) account. |
| Coastwide | Annual Limit Pieces | 10 - The coastwide total annual limit for chinook salmon is 10 from all tidal waters that are open to chinook retention. | |
| 15 | Minimum Size (cm) | 62 cm - The minimum size for Chinook salmon in this area is 62 cm. | |
| Toba Inlet | Non Retention | Chinook non-retention. | |
| Coho salmon (hatchery) | Coastwide | Reminder | Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. |
Last updated: 2023-01-01 01:47:20
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15) | All waters within 0.8 km of Vivian Island, approx. 8 km west of Powell River. All waters within 0.5 km of Rebecca Rock, west of Powell River. All waters within 0.5 km of Dinner Rock, just south of Lund. All waters adjacent to the unnamed reef off Emmonds Beach, approx. 6 km south of Lund. All waters within 1.3 km of Mitlenatch Island, in the upper Strait of Georgia. All within a 0.5 km radius of the southerly end of the Beach Garden Breakwater. | |
| Toba Inlet | That portion of Subarea 15-6 [Toba Inlet] easterly of a line from a boundary sign at Snout Point to a boundary sign on the opposite shore |
Last updated: 2023-01-01 01:47:20
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 | 15 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Eulachon | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Mackerel | 15 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line | 100/200/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Northern anchovy | 15 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Other finfish species | 15 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Pacific sand lance | 15 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 5kg/10kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Pacific sardine | 15 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 100/200/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Surf smelt | 15 | Dip Net, Gill Net | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Tuna, Albacore | 15 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Tuna, All other species | 15 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Codfish | 15 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Greenling | 15 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Halibut | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed until Jan 31 | ||
| Lingcod | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Perch | 15 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, All species combined | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Rockfish, Bocaccio | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Rockfish, Yelloweye | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Sablefish | 15 | Hook and Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sculpin | 15 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark, All other species | 15 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark, Basking | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Blue | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Bluntnose | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Brown Cat | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Great White | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Salmon | 15 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark, Sixgill | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Tope | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Skate | 15 | Hook and Line | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sole/Flounder | 15 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Spiny dogfish | 15 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sturgeon | 15 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Trout (hatchery) | 15 | 30cm | Hook and Line | 2/4/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Trout (wild) | 15 | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Wolf eel | 15 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2023-01-30 09:45:43
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15) | Closed | These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers (skin divers & SCUBA divers) for the preservation of unique underwater habitat. |
| Herring | 15 | 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 | |
| Codfish | 15 | Reminder | Species includes: Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod. |
| 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). |
| 15 | Reminder | Lingcod: Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.) | |
| Perch | 15 | Reminder | Includes kelp, shiner and pile perch, and all species of surf and sea perch |
| Rockfish, All species combined | 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). |
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| 15 | Combined Daily Limit Pieces | 2 The aggregate recreational daily limit for wild and hatchery trout combined is two (2). |
Last updated: 2023-01-01 01:51:39
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15) | All waters within 0.8 km of Vivian Island, approx. 8 km west of Powell River. All waters within 0.5 km of Rebecca Rock, west of Powell River. All waters within 0.5 km of Dinner Rock, just south of Lund. All waters adjacent to the unnamed reef off Emmonds Beach, approx. 6 km south of Lund. All waters within 1.3 km of Mitlenatch Island, in the upper Strait of Georgia. All within a 0.5 km radius of the southerly end of the Beach Garden Breakwater. |
Last updated: 2023-01-01 01:51:39
Bivalve shellfish
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 can also accumulate toxins and pollutants. 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.
- Questions? Email us at DFO.PAC.CSSP-PCAM.PAC.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) |
|---|---|---|
| 15-1 | Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oysters, All | |
| 15-2 | Clam, Horse;Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Geoduck;Mussels, All;Oysters, All | |
| 15-3 | Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oysters, All | |
| 15-4 | Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oysters, All;Scallop, Other;Scallop, Pacific;Scallop, Pink;Scallop, Spiny | |
| 15-5 | ||
| 15-6 | Closed to All Bivalve Species |
Last updated: 2023-01-28 13:00:16
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clam, Butter | 15 | Hand Digging | 20/40/- |
| Clam, Horse | 15 | Hand Digging | 6/12/- |
| Clam, Littleneck | 15 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Clam, Manila | 15 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Clam, Razor | 15 | Hand Digging | 12/24/- |
| Clam, Softshell | 15 | Hand Digging | 25/50/- |
| Clam, Varnish | 15 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Cockles | 15 | Hand Digging | 25/50/- |
| Geoduck | 15 | Hand Digging, Hand Picking | 3/6/- |
| Mussel, Blue | 15 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
| Mussel, California | 15 | Hand Picking | 25/50/- |
| Oyster, Olympia | 15 | 0/0/0 | |
| Oyster, Pacific | 15 | Hand Picking | 12/24/- |
| Scallop, Pink and Spiny | 15 | Diving, Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
| Scallop, Rock | 15 | Diving, Hand Picking | 6/12/- |
| Scallop, Weathervane | 15 | Diving, Hand Picking | 6/12/- |
| Snail, Moon | 15 | Hand Picking | 2/4/- |
| Snail, Other | 15 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
Last updated: 2022-09-20 15:30:33
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shellfish | Coastwide | Season Planning | For planning purposes only - EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2023 - Crab & Prawn/Shrimp traps. The Department would like to advise that changes to the conditions of licence to standardize crab and prawn/shrimp float requirements will be proceeding for the licence year beginning on April 1, 2023. This change is required to support improved enforcement and catch monitoring. This advance notice is intended to provide stakeholders and gear manufacturers/distributors adequate time to prepare for these planned changes. Some fishers may be required to purchase new fishing gear over the next year in order to be in compliance on April 1, 2023 with the following requirements. - Crab Traps - Floats attached to crab traps must be bullet shaped cylindrical floats a minimum of 27cm in length and 12cm in diameter. Typically these are foam floats which can be found at most tackle retailers. - Prawn and Shrimp Traps - Floats attached to prawn and shrimp traps must be round (spherical) in shape and a minimum of 27cm in diameter. Typically these are 'Scotchman' style floats which can be found at most tackle retailers. |
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15) | Closed | These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by 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. | |
| 15-2,15-3 | 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. |
| 15 | 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 | 15 | 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. |
| 15 | 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 | 15 | Reminder | Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details. |
Last updated: 2022-09-20 18:36:35
Area descriptions
| Closure | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| 15.1 Klahanie to Myrtle Creek, Malaspina Strait | 15.1.jpeg | The intertidal foreshore of Malaspina Strait, near the city of Powell River, commencing at a large log buried in the foreshore south of Scuttle Bay at 49°53.86' north latitude and 124°37.24' west longitude, thence southeasterly along the intertidal foreshore to the mouth of Myrtle Creek at 49°47.68' north latitude and 124°28.79' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.11 Frolander Bay | 15.11.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Frolander bay located inside a line drawn from the headland at 49°45.65' north latitude and 124°17.99' west longitude, thence easterly to a headland on the opposite shore at 49°45.68' north latitude and 124°17.70' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.13 Northwest Refuge Cove | 15.13.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Refuge Cove, West Redonda Island, lying inside a radius of 125 metres of the private dock located at 50°07.61' north latitude and 124°50.94' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.16 Theodosia Inlet | 15.16.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Theodosia Inlet, east of a line drawn across the narrow entrance from a point of land at 50°04.04' north latitude and 124°41.54' west longitude, located east of Galahad Point, thence southeasterly to a point on land on the opposite shore at the mouth of a seasonal creek located at 50°03.92' north latitude and 124°41.27' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.17 Portion of Grace Harbour | 15.17.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the small cove northwest of the entrance to Grace Harbour, Malaspina Inlet, west of a line drawn from the headland at 50°02.59' north latitude and 124°45.58' west longitude, thence northerly to the headland on the opposite shore at 50°02.67' north latitude and 124°45.58' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.22 The head of Pendrell Sound, East Redonda Island | 15.22.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the head of Pendrell Sound, East Redonda Island, north of a line drawn from the unnamed point of land at 50°15.94' north latitude and 124°43.65' west longitude, thence northeasterly to an unnamed point of land on the opposite shore at 50°16.84' north latitude and 124°42.18' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.23 Southern Teakerne Arm, east side of land file #2406810 | 15.23.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of southern Teakerne Arm, West Redonda Island, within a distance of 25 meters from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 50°10.24' north latitude and 124°53.32' west longitude, within aquaculture tenure land file #2406810. [NAD83] |
| 15.26 Malaspina Strait, Powell River | 15.26.jpeg | The subtidal waters off Powell River, seaward of Sanitary Closure 15.1, inside a line commencing at Grief Point at 49°48.25' north latitude and 124°31.59' west longitude, thence northwesterly to a point in water at 49°48.67' north latitude and 124°33.42' west longitude, thence northwesterly to a point in water north of Harwood Island at 49°53.86' north latitude and 124°38.50' west longitude, thence easterly to the large log buried in the foreshore south of Scuttle Bay at 49°53.86' north latitude and 124°37.24' west longitude, thence southeasterly following the outer boundary of Sanitary Closure 15.1 back to the point of commencement. [NAD83] |
| 15.27 Harwood Island | 15.27.jpeg | The intertidal foreshore of southwestern Harwood Island inside a line drawn from the southernmost point of the offshore islet at 49°50.67' north latitude and 124°40.49' west longitude, thence true easterly to a point on land at 49°50.67' north latitude and 124°40.25' west longitude, thence southerly along the high tide mark to a point of land at 49°50.33' north latitude and 124°40.30' west longitude, thence northwesterly along the low tide mark to the point of commencement. [NAD83] |
| 15.28 Scuttle Bay | 15.28.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Scuttle Bay east of a line drawn from the headland at the south end of Scuttle Bay at a pair of fir trees at 49°54.31' north latitude and 124°37.88' west longitude, thence northwesterly to the edge of the shoal at 49°54.39' north latitude and 124°38.11' west longitude, thence northeasterly to a small rock jetty at 49°54.62' north latitude and 124°38.00' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.29 Refuge Cove, West Redonda Islands | 15.29.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Refuge Cove, West Redonda Island, lying northeast of a line drawn across the entrance to the small cove from a point of land at 50°07.57' north latitude and 124°50.81' west longitude, thence southeasterly to the headland on the opposite shore at 50°07.51' north latitude and 124°50.66' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.3 Lund Wastewater Treatment Plant | 15.3.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore surrounding Lund Harbour and Finn Cove within a radius of 1,680 metres of the Lund wastewater pump station located at or near 49°58.86' north latitude and 124°45.72' west longitude, extending northwesterly along the shore of Malaspina Peninsula to 49°59.51' north latitude and 124°46.70' west longitude, and southeasterly along the shore of Malaspina Peninsula to 49°58.00' north latitude and 124°45.28' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.30 Southern entrance to Theodosia Inlet | 15.30.jpeg | The intertidal foreshore of the southern entrance to Theodosia Inlet drawn from the mouth of the seasonal creek located at 50°03.92' north latitude and 124°41.27' west longitude, thence westerly along the intertidal boundary to a point of land on the northeast corner of the islet at 50°04.04' north latitude and 124°41.90' west longitude, thence clockwise along the islet's coastline to the most southwesterly point of land at 50°04.00' north latitude and 124°42.00’ west longitude, thence in a southerly direction to a point of land on the opposite shore at 50°03.98' north latitude and 124°42.00' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.31 Western Trevenen Bay | 15.31.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of western Trevenen Bay within a 125 m radius centered at the mouth of the creek at 50°01.64' north latitude and 124°45.12' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.32 Squirrel Cove, Cortes Island | 15.32.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Lewis Channel at the mouth of Squirrel Cove lying inside of a line drawn from a point on land on Cortes Island at 50°07.869' north latitude and 124°55.355' west longitude, northeasterly to a point on land on Protection Island at 50°07.899' north latitude and 124°55.327' west longitude, thence following the high tide mark easterly to a point on land at 50°07.875' north latitude and 124°55.018' west longitude, thence northeasterly to a point of land on Cortes Island at 50°07.899' north latitude and 124°54.968' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point on land on Cortes Island at 50°07.688' north latitude and 124°54.607' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point on land on Cortes Island at 50°07.077' north latitude and 124°54.499' west longitude, thence following the high tide mark westerly to the point of commencement. [NAD83] |
| 15.4 East Refuge Cove | 15.4.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Refuge Cove, west Redonda Island lying inside a line drawn across the head of the cove, from a point on the north foreshore 400 m from the centre of the bulk oil storage tank situated near the head of the cove, to a point on the south foreshore 275 m from the centre of the bulk oil storage tank. [NAD83] |
| 15.5 Lang Bay | 15.5.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Lang Bay located inside a line drawn from the eastern headland of Kelly Point at 49°46.28' north latitude and 124°21.93' west longitude, thence easterly to the point at 49°46.15' north latitude and 124°20.67' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.6 Bliss Landing | 15.6.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the two unnamed coves at Bliss Landing located at the north end of Turner Bay, Malaspina Peninsula, lying inside a line drawn from the southern headland at 50°02.28' north latitude and 124°49.22’ west longitude thence westerly to the shoal at 50°02.26’ north latitude and 124°49.38’ west longitude thence northerly to a point on the opposite mainland shore at 50°02.44’ north latitude and 124°49.38’ west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.7 McRae Cove | 15.7.jpeg | The waters and foreshore of McRae Cove lying inside a line drawn due east from the western headland of the cove to the opposite shore. [NAD83] |
| 15.kk Lancelot Inlet | 15.kk.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the cove located south of Bunster Point in Lancelot Inlet, inside a line drawn from a point on land at 50°3.088' north latitude and 124°42.650' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point on land at 50°3.012' north latitude and 124°42.559' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15-5.A | 15-5.A.jpeg | That portion of Subarea 15-5 south of a line drawn from a point on the northwest shoreline of Raza Island at 50°18.26' north latitude and 124°58.10' west longitude, thence easterly to a point on the west coast of West Redonda Island at 50°18.12' north latitude and 124°55.48' west longitude, thence southerly following the shoreline of West Redonda Island to a point at 50°12.29' north latitude and 124°56.55' west longitude, thence southwesterly to a point on the northeast coast of Cortes Island at 50°11.74' north latitude and 124°56.94' west longitude, thence northwesterly following the shoreline of Cortes Island to Bullock Bluff, thence true north following the boundary line to Raza Island, and thence following the shoreline northeasterly back to the point of commencement. |
| 15-5.B | 15-5.B.jpeg | That portion of Subarea 15-5 southeast of a line drawn from an unnamed point on the east coast of Cortes Island at 50°11.74' north latitude and 124°56.94' west longitude, thence northeasterly to a point on the west coast of West Redonda Island at 50°12.29' north latitude and 124°56.55' west longitude, thence southerly and then northerly following the shoreline of West Redonda Island to a point on the southeast shoreline of West Redonda Island at 50°07.87' north latitude and 124°48.03' west longitude, thence easterly to a point on the mainland at 50°07.77' north latitude and 124°43.27' west longitude, thence southerly following the shoreline to Zephine Head at 50°04.57' north latitude and 124°48.30' west longitude, then southwesterly following the boundary line to Sarah Point at 50°03.76' north latitude and 124°50.61' west longitude, thence following the boundary line to Mary Point at 50°03.44' north latitude and 124°53.13' west longitude, thence northerly following the eastern shoreline of Cortes Island back to the point of commencement. |
| 15-5.C | 15-5.C.jpeg | That portion of Subarea 15-5 north of a line drawn from a point on West Redonda Island at 50°18.12' north latitude and 124°55.48' west longitude, thence westerly to a point on the east coast of Raza Island at 50°18.26' north latitude and 124°58.10' west longitude, thence northerly to a point on George Head on the mainland at 50°20.66' north latitude and 124°57.92' west longitude, thence easterly following the shoreline to 50°20.67' north latitude and 124°45.20' west longitude, thence southeasterly following the boundary line to Brettell Point at 50°19.51' north latitude and 124°44.15' west longitude, thence southerly following the shoreline to a point at 50°07.77' north latitude and 124°43.27' west longitude, thence westerly to point on the southeast shore of West Redonda Island at 50°07.87' north latitude and 124°48.03' west longitude, thence northerly and westerly following the shoreline of West Redonda Island back to the point of commencement. |
Last updated: 2023-01-28 13:00:16
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Mitlenatch Island | Waters within 0.5 nautical miles of Mitlenatch Island. | |
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15) | All waters within 0.8 km of Vivian Island, approx. 8 km west of Powell River. All waters within 0.5 km of Rebecca Rock, west of Powell River. All waters within 0.5 km of Dinner Rock, just south of Lund. All waters adjacent to the unnamed reef off Emmonds Beach, approx. 6 km south of Lund. All waters within 1.3 km of Mitlenatch Island, in the upper Strait of Georgia. All within a 0.5 km radius of the southerly end of the Beach Garden Breakwater. |
Last updated: 2022-09-20 18:36:35
Crab
Crab
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box and Puget Sound King crab | 15 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Dungeness crab | 15 | 165mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| King crab | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Other crab | 15 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Red Rock crab | 15 | 115mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Shore crab | 15 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 75/150/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2022-09-20 15:28:41
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shellfish | Coastwide | Season Planning | For planning purposes only - EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2023 - Crab & Prawn/Shrimp traps. The Department would like to advise that changes to the conditions of licence to standardize crab and prawn/shrimp float requirements will be proceeding for the licence year beginning on April 1, 2023. This change is required to support improved enforcement and catch monitoring. This advance notice is intended to provide stakeholders and gear manufacturers/distributors adequate time to prepare for these planned changes. Some fishers may be required to purchase new fishing gear over the next year in order to be in compliance on April 1, 2023 with the following requirements. - Crab Traps - Floats attached to crab traps must be bullet shaped cylindrical floats a minimum of 27cm in length and 12cm in diameter. Typically these are foam floats which can be found at most tackle retailers. - Prawn and Shrimp Traps - Floats attached to prawn and shrimp traps must be round (spherical) in shape and a minimum of 27cm in diameter. Typically these are 'Scotchman' style floats which can be found at most tackle retailers. |
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15) | Closed | These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers for the preservation of unique underwater habitat. | |
| 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 | 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 | 15 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 4. |
| King crab | Coastwide | Sex Restriction | As per the Conditions of Licence, it is prohibited to possess female 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. | |
| 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: 2022-09-20 18:36:31
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15) | All waters within 0.8 km of Vivian Island, approx. 8 km west of Powell River. All waters within 0.5 km of Rebecca Rock, west of Powell River. All waters within 0.5 km of Dinner Rock, just south of Lund. All waters adjacent to the unnamed reef off Emmonds Beach, approx. 6 km south of Lund. All waters within 1.3 km of Mitlenatch Island, in the upper Strait of Georgia. All within a 0.5 km radius of the southerly end of the Beach Garden Breakwater. |
Last updated: 2022-09-20 18:36:31
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 | 15 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |
| Barnacles, Giant | 15 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Barnacles, Goose | 15 | Hand Picking | 2kg/4kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Limpet | 15 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Octopus | 15 | Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Other shellfish species | 15 | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sand Dollar | 15 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Sea Cucumber | 15 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Sea Urchin | 15 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Shrimp, Ghost | 15 | Hand Digging, Hand Pump | 50/100/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Shrimp/Prawn | 15-4 to 15-6 | Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) | 125/250/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| 15-1 to 15-3 | -/-/- | Closed until Apr 01 | ||
| Squid, All other species | 15 | Cast Net, Jigging | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Squid, Opal | 15 | Cast Net, Jigging | 200/400/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Starfish sea star | 15 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2023-01-24 09:35:09
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shellfish | Coastwide | Season Planning | For planning purposes only - EFFECTIVE APRIL 1, 2023 - Crab & Prawn/Shrimp traps. The Department would like to advise that changes to the conditions of licence to standardize crab and prawn/shrimp float requirements will be proceeding for the licence year beginning on April 1, 2023. This change is required to support improved enforcement and catch monitoring. This advance notice is intended to provide stakeholders and gear manufacturers/distributors adequate time to prepare for these planned changes. Some fishers may be required to purchase new fishing gear over the next year in order to be in compliance on April 1, 2023 with the following requirements. - Crab Traps - Floats attached to crab traps must be bullet shaped cylindrical floats a minimum of 27cm in length and 12cm in diameter. Typically these are foam floats which can be found at most tackle retailers. - Prawn and Shrimp Traps - Floats attached to prawn and shrimp traps must be round (spherical) in shape and a minimum of 27cm in diameter. Typically these are 'Scotchman' style floats which can be found at most tackle retailers. |
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15) | Closed | These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers for the preservation of unique underwater habitat. | |
| Shrimp/Prawn | 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: 2023-01-24 09:35:02
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15) | All waters within 0.8 km of Vivian Island, approx. 8 km west of Powell River. All waters within 0.5 km of Rebecca Rock, west of Powell River. All waters within 0.5 km of Dinner Rock, just south of Lund. All waters adjacent to the unnamed reef off Emmonds Beach, approx. 6 km south of Lund. All waters within 1.3 km of Mitlenatch Island, in the upper Strait of Georgia. All within a 0.5 km radius of the southerly end of the Beach Garden Breakwater. |
Last updated: 2023-01-24 09:35:02
Protected areas
Protected areas
Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:
| Area | Type | Closure name |
|---|---|---|
| 15-2 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Dinner Rock |
| Mitlenatch Island | ||
| 15-3 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Copeland Islands |
| Mitlenatch Island | ||
| 15-5 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Desolation Sound |
| Pendrell Sound | ||
| Teakerne Arm |
Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:25:20
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Copeland Islands | Copeland_Islands.png | In Subarea 15-3 those waters in the vicinity of the Copeland Islands that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°02.700' N 124°52.600' W in water then to 50°03.0 50o03.000'N 124°51.800' W in water then to 50°02.030' N 124°49.700' W in water then to 49°59.700' N 124°47.500' W in water then to 49°58.900' N 124°49.000' W in water then to the beginning point. This includes all the waters of the Copeland Islands Marine Park shown on Chart No. 3538, published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service of the Department. |
| Desolation Sound | Desolation_Sound.png | Those waters of Subarea 15-5 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°08.500'N 124°46.915'W Redonda Island then to 50°09.400'N 124°39.160'W Price Point then following the shoreline in a southwesterly direction to 50°04.500'N 124°48.332'W Zephine Head then to 50°04.750'N 124°50.413'W Kinghorn Island then following the northeasterly shoreline of Kinghorn Island to 50°05.277'N 124°50.976'W Kinghorn Island then to 50°06.948'N 124°50.982'W Refuge Cove Light then northeasterly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Dinner Rock | Dinner_Rock.png | Those waters of Subarea 15-2 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°56.897'N 124°43.131'W near Dinner Rock then to 49°56.300'N 124°44.000'W in water then to 49°54.900'N 124°41.200'W in water then to 49°55.600'N 124°40.174'W shoreline then northwesterly 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 |
| Pendrell Sound | Pendrell_Sound.png | In Subarea 15-5 the waters of Pendrell Sound that lie northerly of a line: From 50°12.590'N 124°45.500'W Walter Point To 50°12.300'N 124°44.800'W Durnham Point |
| Teakerne Arm | Teakerne_Arm.png | Those waters of Teakerne Arm in Subarea 15-5 that lie easterly of the meridian passing through 124°54.000' west longitude. |
Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:25:20
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