BC tidal area 15 - Powell River, Texada Island: 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
- 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.
- 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:
- Daily limit: The maximum number of a given fish species that a person is allowed to keep in one day.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Related links
Area map
Area maps
This map is for information only and should not be used for fishing, navigation or other purposes.
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
- You must have a valid a salmon conservation stamp on your BC Tidal Waters sport fishing licence if you plan to retain salmon.
- You must immediately and permanently record all retained chinook salmon on your paper licence, your NRLS catch log or your NRLS-linked FishingBC app catch log.
- Learn more about fishing for salmon
Maps
- Management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales
- Area 15 - Powell River: chinook salmon openings and other management measures
- Area 15 - Powell River: coho salmon openings and other management measures
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | 15 | 62cm | barbless hook and line | 2 | Open |
| Chum salmon | 15 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 4 | Open |
| Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | 15 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 2 Combined Total * Consisting of no more than:
|
Open |
| Pink salmon | 15 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 4 | Open |
| Sockeye salmon | 15 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 0 | Non Retention |
Last updated: 2025-10-17
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Restriction type | Restriction details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Tidal Waters in Area 15 | 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. |
| 15 | Gear Restriction | You are not allowed to harvest using the following gears and methods:
|
|
| Coastwide | Reminder | When Open, the possession limit for salmon is twice the daily limit. | |
| 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: 2025-10-17
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Tidal Waters in Area 15 | Area 15: i. All waters within 0.8 km of Vivian Island, approximately 8 km west of Powell River; ii. all waters within 0.5 km of Rebecca Rock, west of Powell River; iii. all waters within 0.5 km of Dinner Rock, just south of Lund; iv. all waters adjacent to the unnamed reef off Emmonds Beach, approximately 6 km south of Lund; v. all waters within 1.3 km of Mitlenatch Island, in the upper Strait of Georgia; and vi. all waters within a 0.5 km radius of the southerly end of the Beach Garden Breakwater. |
Last updated: 2025-10-17
Other finfish
Finfish other than salmon
- You must immediately and permanently record the following retained catch on your paper licence, your NRLS catch log or your NRLS-linked FishingBC app catch log.
- halibut
- lingcod caught in Areas 12 to 19 (excluding Subarea 12-14) and Subareas 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5
- Check the Restrictions for the current possession limit for Pacific halibut
- Learn more about fishing for finfish
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Codfish | 15 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 8 | Open | |
| Eulachon | 15 | 0kg | Closed | ||
| Finfish - all other species | 15 | angling, dip net, herring jig, herring rake, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Greenling | 15 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 3 | Open | |
| Halibut | 15 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open | |
| Herring | 15 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 20kg | Open | |
| Lingcod | 15 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Mackerel | 15 | angling, dip net, herring jig, spear fishing while diving | 100 | Open | |
| Northern Anchovy | 15 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 20kg | Open | |
| Pacific sand lance | 15 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 5kg | Open | |
| Pacific sardine | 15 | angling, dip net, herring jig, spear fishing while diving | 100 | Open | |
| Rockfish - Yelloweye | 15 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 0 | Non Retention | |
| Rockfish - all species except Yelloweye | 15 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Sablefish | 15 | angling | 4 | Open | |
| Sculpin | 15 | angling | 8 | Open | |
| Shark - Basking | 15 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Blue | 15 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Brown Cat | 15 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Great White | 15 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Salmon | 15 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open | |
| Shark - Sixgill | 15 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Tope | 15 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - all other species | 15 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Skate | 15 | angling | 1 | Open | |
| Smelt | 15 | dip net, gill net | 20kg | Open | |
| Sole or Flounder | 15 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 8 | Open | |
| Spiny Dogfish | 15 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 4 | Open | |
| Surfperch | 15 | angling | 8 | Open | |
| Tuna - Albacore | 15 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Tuna - Bluefin | 15 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Tuna - all other species | 15 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| White Sturgeon | 15 | angling | 0 | Non Retention | |
| Wolf Eel | 15 | angling | 0 | Non Retention |
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (hatchery and wild combined) | 15 | 30cm | angling | 2 Combined Total * Consisting of no more than:
|
Open |
Last updated: 2025-10-02
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Restriction type | Restriction details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Tidal Waters in Area 15 | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Finfish - all other species | Tidal Waters in Area 15 | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Other Finfish | Coastwide | Reminder | When Open, the possession limit for finfish other than salmon is twice the daily limit – except for Halibut (see Restrictions section). |
| 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 | Tidal Waters in Area 15 | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Species includes - Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod. | |
| Greenling | Tidal Waters in Area 15 | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Halibut | Tidal Waters in Area 15 | 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 | Tidal Waters in Area 15 | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| 15 | 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. | |
| 15 | Reminder | Lingcod - Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm (21 in). | |
| 15 | 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 | Tidal Waters in Area 15 | 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: 2025-06-17
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Tidal Waters in Area 15 | Area 15: i. All waters within 0.8 km of Vivian Island, approximately 8 km west of Powell River; ii. all waters within 0.5 km of Rebecca Rock, west of Powell River; iii. all waters within 0.5 km of Dinner Rock, just south of Lund; iv. all waters adjacent to the unnamed reef off Emmonds Beach, approximately 6 km south of Lund; v. all waters within 1.3 km of Mitlenatch Island, in the upper Strait of Georgia; and vi. all waters within a 0.5 km radius of the southerly end of the Beach Garden Breakwater. |
Last updated: 2025-06-17
Bivalve shellfish and snails
Bivalve shellfish and snails
Eating contaminated shellfish can be life threatening. Closures change frequently throughout the year. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from closed or contaminated areas.
Bivalve shellfish have 2 hinged shells. Because they feed by filtering microscopic plankton from the water, changes in water quality can cause unsafe marine biotoxins, bacteria, or viruses to build up in their tissue.
Snails refers to all snails, whelks, tritons and periwinkles with the exception of Moon Snails. Snails and moon snails can accumulate toxins and pollutants. We recommend that they not be harvested from areas shown as closed in the table below.
Learn more about shellfish harvesting.
How to follow the rules
- Check for contamination in the subarea where you plan to harvest. You can also see this in a map format by using our our real-time bivalve shellfish safety harvesting map.
- If no contamination closures are in effect, check species regulations and additional harvest restrictions.
- 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.
- Littleneck, Manila and butter clams are subject to a minimum size limit. See below under restrictions for more information on clam size limits.
- Questions? Email us at DFO.PACCSSP-PCAMPAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Bivalve shellfish contamination closures
Planned bivalve shellfish harvesting closures
Look at the first column below to see which species are safe to harvest. If there is information in the second column, it is illegal and unsafe to harvest any bivalve species in those areas.
| Subarea | Marine biotoxin update (open bivalve species) | Sanitary contamination closures (closed to shellfish harvesting) |
|---|---|---|
| 15-1 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 15-2 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 15-3 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 15-4 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 15-5 |
|
|
| 15-6 | Closed to All Bivalve Species |
Last updated: 2025-10-28
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Daily Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clam - Butter | 15 | hand digging, hand picking | 20 |
| Clam - Horse | 15 | hand digging, hand picking | 6 |
| Clam - Littleneck | 15 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - Manila | 15 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - Razor | 15 | hand digging | 12 |
| Clam - Softshell | 15 | hand digging | 25 |
| Clam - Varnish | 15 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - all species combined | 15 | hand digging, hand picking | 60 |
| Cockles | 15 | hand digging, hand picking | 25 |
| Geoduck | 15 | hand digging, hand picking | 3 |
| Mussel - Blue | 15 | hand picking | 75 |
| Mussel - California | 15 | hand picking | 25 |
| Mussels - all species combined | 15 | hand picking | 75 |
| Oyster - Olympia | 15 | 0 | |
| Oyster - all species except Olympia | 15 | hand picking | 12 |
| Scallop - Pink and Spiny | 15 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 75 |
| Scallop - Purple-hinged rock | 15 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Scallop - Weathervane | 15 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Scallop - Weathervane and Purple-hinged rock combined | 15 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Snail - Moon | 15 | hand picking | 2 |
| Snail - other | 15 | hand picking | 75 |
| Whelks | 15 | hand picking | 75 |
Last updated: 2025-06-03
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Restriction type | Restriction details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bivalve Species | Coastwide | Reminder | When Open, the possession limit for bivalve shellfish is twice the daily limit. |
| 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. | |
| 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. | |
| Clam - Butter | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - Horse | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - Littleneck | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - Manila | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - Razor | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - Softshell | Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - Varnish | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - all species combined | Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| 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 | Reminder | Clam harvesters are encouraged to fill in holes to reduce predation on exposed juvenile clams. | |
| 15 | Reminder | It is illegal to use any mechanical apparatus or dredge for harvesting clams. | |
| Cockles | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Geoduck | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Mussel - Blue | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mussel - California | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mussels - all species combined | Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| 15 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for all mussel species is 75. | |
| Oyster - Olympia | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand picking (year round ) | |
| Oyster - all species except Olympia | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Closed | hand picking (year round ) | |
| 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. | |
| 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 | 15 | Reminder | Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details. |
| Scallop - Purple-hinged rock | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) | |
| Scallop - Pink and Spiny | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) | |
| Scallop - Weathervane | Lang Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) | |
| Scallop - Weathervane and Purple-hinged rock combined | Lang Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 |
| Lang Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Malaspina Strait | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 |
Last updated: 2025-06-17
Area descriptions
| Closure | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| 15.1 Klahanie to Myrtle Creek, Malaspina Strait | 15.1.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Lewis Channel in Squirrel Cove lying inside of a line drawn from a point on land on Cortes Island at 50°07.975' north latitude and 124°55.840' west longitude, northeasterly to a point on land on Protection Island at 50°08.133' north latitude and 124°55.306' 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 following the high tide mark easterly to a point on land at 50°07.891' north latitude and 124°54.951' 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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] |
| 15.9 Sturt Bay and Van Anda Cove | 15.9.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Sturt Bay and Van Anda Cove, northeast Texada Island, south of a line drawn from Hodgson Point at 49°45.79' north latitude and 124°33.78' west longitude, thence southeasterly to Van Anda Point at 49°45.61' north latitude and 124°33.03' west longitude plus a 300 m radius around the Texada school wastewater discharge pipe located at or near 49°45.73' north latitude and 124°33.46' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 15.kk Lancelot Inlet | 15.kk.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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.png | 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: 2025-10-28
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Lang Bay | In Area 15: 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 [NAD 83]. | |
| Lund Harbour and Finn Cove | In Area 15: 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. | |
| Malaspina Strait | In Area 15: 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.[NAD 83] | |
| Mitlenatch Island | Those portions of Subareas 13-1, 14-13, 15-2 and 15-3 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. [These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers for the preservation of unique underwater habitat] |
Last updated: 2025-06-17
Crab
Crab
- It is illegal to possess female Dungeness, King, Puget Sound King, Brown Box and Red Rock crabs. Female crabs must be released immediately. New
- Invasive European green crab
- Learn more about fishing for crab
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crab - Box | 15 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 1 | Open | |
| Crab - Dungeness | 15 | 165mm | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 4 | Open |
| Crab - Dungeness and Red Rock combined | 15 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 4 | Open | |
| Crab - King | 15 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Crab - Puget Sound King | 15 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 1 | Open | |
| Crab - Red Rock | 15 | 115mm | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 4 | Open |
| Crab - Shore | 15 | hand picking | 75 | Open | |
| Crab - other | 15 | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 4 | Open |
Last updated: 2025-06-03
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Restriction type | Restriction details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | When Open, the possession limit for crab is twice the daily limit. | |
| 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. | |
| Crab - Box | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Crab - Dungeness | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | 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 | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | 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 | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | 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 | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | 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: 2025-06-17
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| 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. [These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers for the preservation of unique underwater habitat] |
Last updated: 2025-06-17
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 | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abalone | 15 | 0 | Closed | |
| Barnacles - Giant | 15 | diving | 6 | Open |
| Barnacles - Goose | 15 | hand picking | 2kg | Open |
| Invertebrates - all other species | 15 | 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 | 15 | hand picking | 75 | Open |
| Octopus | 15 | angling, hand picking, hand picking while diving, trap | 1 | Open |
| Sand Dollar | 15 | hand picking | 6 | Open |
| Sea Cucumber | 15 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 12 | Open |
| Sea Star or Starfish | 15 | diving, hand picking | 6 | Open |
| Sea Urchin | 15 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 12 | Open |
| Shellfish - all other species | 15 | angling, dip net, hand digging, hand picking, hand picking while diving, hand pump, ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap | 20 | Open |
| Shrimp - Ghost | 15 | hand digging, hand pump | 50 | Open |
| Shrimp including prawn | 15 | ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap | 125 | Open |
| Squid - Opal | 15 | cast net, jigging | 200 | Open |
| Squid - all other species | 15 | cast net, jigging | 20 | Open |
Last updated: 2025-09-25
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Restriction type | Restriction details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | When Open, the possession limit for other invertebrates is twice the daily limit. | |
| Barnacles - Giant | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Octopus | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | 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 | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Sea Urchin | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Shrimp including prawn | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | 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 | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Shellfish - all other species | Strait of Georgia Dive Closures | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
Last updated: 2025-06-17
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| 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. [These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers for the preservation of unique underwater habitat] |
Last updated: 2025-06-17
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: 2025-05-06
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Copeland Islands | Copeland Islands | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | Those waters of Teakerne Arm in Subarea 15-5 that lie easterly of the meridian passing through 124°54.000' west longitude. |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
- Date modified: