BC tidal area 16 - Sechelt Inlet, Jervis Inlet, 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:
- (d) Daily limit: The maximum number of a given fish species that a person is allowed to keep in one day.
- (p) Daily possession limit: The maximum number of fish you can have in your possession at any given time, except for what is at your ordinary residence. The possession limit for most species is double the daily limit.
- (a) Annual limit: The total amount of fish of a certain species that may be caught and retained during the course of a fishing year which starts on April 1 and ends the following March 31. Check "Restrictions" under each section for annual limits by species.
- 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 16: 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
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | 16-1 to 16-5,16-7,16-8,16-10,16-11 and 16-13 to 16-22 | 62cm | barbless hook and line | 0 | Non Retention |
| 16-6,16-9,16-12 | 62cm | barbless hook and line | 1 Combined Total * Consisting of no more than:
|
Open | |
| Chum salmon | 16 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 0 | Non Retention |
| Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | 16 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 0 | Non Retention |
| Pink salmon | 16 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 4 | Open |
| Sockeye salmon | 16 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 0 | Non Retention |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| 16 | Gear Restriction | You are not allowed to harvest using the following gears and methods:
|
|
| 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) | Jervis Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 1 Combined Total * Consisting of no more than:
|
| Coastwide | Annual Limit Pieces | 10 - The coastwide total annual limit for chinook salmon is 10 from all tidal waters that are open to chinook retention. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Keeping your chinook salmon? You must permanently record all retained catch (head-on length) on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. The licence holder may alternatively record retained catch immediately in an electronic licence held in an approved third-party application linked to their National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) account, or if mobile internet access is immediately available, directly in their NRLS account. The licence holder shall ensure that all mandatory catch records for the current licence year are produced, either on the licence (paper or electronic), or from the licence holder's NRLS account at the time of inspection. |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Jervis Inlet | Jervis Inlet | Subareas 16-6, 16-9, 16-12 ; and that portion of Subarea 16-7 westerly of the Salmon Inlet RCA boundary following a meridian passing through at 123°43.00'W (near Black Bear Bluff); and that portion of Subarea 16-8 west of a line from a point on land at 49°41.5'N, 123°48.4'W, across to a point on the other shore at 49°41.1'N, 123°47.7'W; and that portion of Subarea 16-10 north of a line from a point on land at 49°40.0'N, 124°04.3'W, across to a point on the other shore at 49°40.0'N, 124°05.1'W; and that portion of Subarea 16-11 north of a line from a point on land at 49°44.99'N, 124°15.57'W, across to Ball Point (corner of the Hardy Island RCA) at 49°45.10'N, 124°13.75'W; and that portion of Subarea 16-13 south of a line from a point on land at 49°50.7'N, 123°55.2'W then across to a point on the opposite shore at 49°50.2'N, 123°52.9'W. |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
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 | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 8 | Open | |
| Eulachon | 16 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Finfish - all other species | 16 | angling, dip net, herring jig, herring rake, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Greenling | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 3 | Open | |
| Halibut | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open | |
| Herring | 16 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 20kg | Open | |
| Lingcod | 16 | 65cm | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open |
| Mackerel | 16 | angling, dip net, herring jig, spear fishing while diving | 100 | Open | |
| Northern Anchovy | 16 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 20kg | Open | |
| Pacific sand lance | 16 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 5kg | Open | |
| Pacific sardine | 16 | angling, dip net, herring jig, spear fishing while diving | 100 | Open | |
| Rockfish - Yelloweye | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 0 | Non Retention | |
| Rockfish - all species except Yelloweye | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open | |
| Sablefish | 16 | angling | 4 | Open | |
| Sculpin | 16 | angling | 8 | Open | |
| Shark - Basking | 16 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Blue | 16 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Brown Cat | 16 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Great White | 16 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Salmon | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open | |
| Shark - Sixgill | 16 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Tope | 16 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - all other species | 16 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Skate | 16 | angling | 1 | Open | |
| Smelt | 16 | dip net, gill net | 20kg | Open | |
| Sole or Flounder | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 8 | Open | |
| Spiny Dogfish | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 4 | Open | |
| Surfperch | 16 | angling | 8 | Open | |
| Tuna - Albacore | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Tuna - Bluefin | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Tuna - all other species | 16 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| White Sturgeon | 16 | angling | 0 | Non Retention | |
| Wolf Eel | 16 | angling | 0 | Non Retention |
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (hatchery and wild combined) | 16 | 30cm | angling | 2 Combined Total * Consisting of no more than:
|
Open |
Last updated: 2025-05-16
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Coastwide | Reminder | Species includes - Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod. |
| Halibut | 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 | 16 | 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. |
| 16 | Reminder | Lingcod - Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm (21 in). | |
| 16 | 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. |
| Trout (hatchery and wild combined) | Coastwide | Reminder | Note: (1) Trout - means Brook trout, Brown trout, Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, Lake trout, Rainbow trout, Steelhead, and includes Bull trout. (2) Steelhead - in waters where anadromous Rainbow trout are found, Steelhead means a Rainbow trout that is greater than 50cm in overall length. (3) Anadromous means migrating from the sea up rivers or streams to spawn. |
Last updated: 2025-05-16
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide |
Last updated: 2025-05-16
Bivalve shellfish and snails
Bivalve shellfish and snails
Eating contaminated shellfish can be life threatening. Closures change frequently throughout the year. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from closed or contaminated areas.
Bivalve shellfish have 2 hinged shells. Because they feed by filtering microscopic plankton from the water, changes in water quality can cause unsafe marine biotoxins, bacteria, or viruses to build up in their tissue.
Snails refers to all snails, whelks, tritons and periwinkles with the exception of Moon Snails. Snails and moon snails can accumulate toxins and pollutants. We recommend that they not be harvested from areas shown as closed in the table below.
Learn more about shellfish harvesting.
How to follow the rules
- 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) |
|---|---|---|
| 16-1 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-2 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-3 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 16-4 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 16-5 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-6 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-7 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-8 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-9 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-10 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-11 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-12 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-13 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-14 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 16-15 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 16-16 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-17 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-18 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-19 | Clam - Butter;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-20 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-21 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 16-22 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Daily Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clam - Butter | 16 | hand digging, hand picking | 20 |
| Clam - Horse | 16 | hand digging, hand picking | 6 |
| Clam - Littleneck | 16 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - Manila | 16 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - Razor | 16 | hand digging | 12 |
| Clam - Softshell | 16 | hand digging | 25 |
| Clam - Varnish | 16 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - all species combined | 16 | hand digging, hand picking | 60 |
| Cockles | 16 | hand digging, hand picking | 25 |
| Geoduck | 16 | hand digging, hand picking | 3 |
| Mussel - Blue | 16 | hand picking | 75 |
| Mussel - California | 16 | hand picking | 25 |
| Mussels - all species combined | 16 | hand picking | 75 |
| Oyster - Olympia | 16 | 0 | |
| Oyster - all species except Olympia | 16 | hand picking | 12 |
| Scallop - Pink and Spiny | 16 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 75 |
| Scallop - Purple-hinged rock | 16 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Scallop - Weathervane | 16 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Scallop - Weathervane and Purple-hinged rock combined | 16 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Snail - Moon | 16 | hand picking | 2 |
| Snail - other | 16 | hand picking | 75 |
| Whelks | 16 | hand picking | 75 |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bivalve Species | Coastwide | Reminder | Only aquaculture operators are allowed to harvest within the boundaries of licenced aquaculture facilities. Please be aware of the location of aquaculture facilities in the areas close to where you are intending to harvest. |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Clams - No person shall retain a Manila Clam or Littleneck Clam smaller than 35 mm, nor a Butter Clam smaller than 55 mm. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Because of the risk of contamination, you are not allowed to harvest bivalve shellfish (for any purpose) within: (1) 300 metres around industrial, municipal and sewage treatment plant outfall discharges (2) 125 metres around a marina, ferry wharf, floating living accommodation, or any finfish net pen (exceptions described as follows) (3) 25 meters around any floating living accommodation facility located within a shellfish aquaculture tenure where a zero-discharge and appropriate waste management plan is a condition of the Aquaculture Licence and is approved by the Regional Interdepartmental Committee (4) 0 meters of any finfish net pen within an aquaculture tenure where an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Management Plan approved by the Regional Interdepartmental Committee is in operation. | |
| Clam - Butter | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Clam - Horse | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Clam - Littleneck | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Clam - Manila | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Clam - Razor | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Clam - Softshell | McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Clam - Varnish | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Clam - all species combined | McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Coastwide | Daily Limit Pieces | 60 - When open, all species aggregate daily limit combined Areas 1 to 27 is 60, except Pacific Rim National Park where the all-species aggregate limit is 24. | |
| 16 | Reminder | Clam harvesters are encouraged to fill in holes to reduce predation on exposed juvenile clams. | |
| 16 | Reminder | It is illegal to use any mechanical apparatus or dredge for harvesting clams. | |
| Cockles | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Geoduck | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mussel - Blue | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mussel - California | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Mussels - all species combined | McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| 16 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for all mussel species is 75. | |
| Oyster - Olympia | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Oyster - all species except Olympia | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| 16 | 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 | 16 | Reminder | Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details. |
| Scallop - Purple-hinged rock | McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Scallop - Pink and Spiny | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Scallop - Weathervane | McLean Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Scallop - Weathervane and Purple-hinged rock combined | McLean Bay | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 |
| McLean Bay | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Area descriptions
| Closure | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| 16.1 Pender Harbour | 16.1.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Pender Harbour, including Gunboat Bay and Bargain Harbour, lying east of a line drawn from the southernmost tip of the point of land between Bill Bay and Dingham Bay at 49°37.90' north latitude and 124°03.07' west longitude thence southeasterly to the red lateral buoy designated Q40, located at or near 49°37.67' north latitude and 124°02.71' west longitude, thence due south to a point on land west of Donnely Landing at 49°37.60' north latitude and 124°02.71' west longitude; and north of a line drawn from the most southeasterly point of Francis Peninsula at 49°36.36' north latitude and 124°02.22' west longitude, thence northeasterly to the closest point on the opposite shore at 49°36.50' north latitude and 124°02.06' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.10 Blind Bay, Nelson Island | 16.10.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the southern portion of Blind Bay on Nelson Island commencing from the overgrown landing northeast of the Clio Islands, at 49°43.50' N latitude and 124°10.10' W longitude, thence southwesterly along the inter-tidal foreshore to the unnamed headland at 49°43.20' N latitude and 124°10.44' W longitude, thence southwesterly across the entrance to Ballet Bay to an unnamed headland on the opposite side at 49°43.06' N latitude and 124°10.96' W longitude, thence southwesterly along the inter-tidal foreshore to an unnamed point northeast of Kelly Island at 49°42.73' N latitude and 124°12.15' W longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.13 Unnamed Bay E. of Four Mile Point, Sechelt Inlet | 16.13.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the small unnamed bay east of Four Mile Point, Sechelt Inlet, the western point at 49°31.40' north latitude and 123°46.60' west longitude, thence easterly to the foot of the boat launching ramp at 49°31.40' north latitude and 123°46.40' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.19 Saltery Bay | 16.19.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Saltery Bay north of a line drawn across the mouth of the bay from a point of land on the west side of Saltery Bay at 49°46.73' north latitude and 124°10.85' west longitude easterly to a point of land on the east side of the bay at 49°46.75' north latitude and 124°10.25' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.2 Secret Cove, Sechelt Peninsula | 16.2.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Secret Cove, Sechelt Peninsula, lying inside a line drawn from the point on the mainland nearest the northwest tip of Turnagain Island to the northwest tip of Turnagain Island, thence along the western shoreline of the island to the most southerly point on the said island, and thence southeast to the mainland opposite. [NAD83] |
| 16.20 McLean Bay, Sechelt Inlet | 16.20.png | The intertidal foreshore of McLean Bay, located in northern Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet, northerly of a line drawn true west from the point on shore where an arm of Angus Creek meets the edge of the beach at 49°30.43' north latitude and 123°45.41' west longitude, thence northerly and westerly along the low tide mark to a point at the western edge of the beach at 49°30.80' north latitude and 123°45.60' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.21 Long Bay on Jedediah Island | 16.21.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Long Bay and Boom Bay on Jedediah Island east of a line drawn from a point of land on the north side of the entrance at 49°30.08' north latitude and 124°12.78' west longitude thence southerly to the south side of the entrance to a point of land at 49°29.93' north latitude and 124°12.71' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.22 Home Bay, Jedediah Island | 16.22.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Home Bay, Jedediah Island lying westerly of a line drawn from the northern entrance at 49°30.00' North latitude and 124°11.60' West longitude thence southerly to the north end of the small island in Home Bay at 49°29.95' North latitude and 124°11.60' West longitude thence southerly to the south end of the smallisland at 49°29.80' North latitude and 124°11.50' West longitude thence southerly to Jedediah Island at 49°29.70' North latitude and 124°11.50' West longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.23 Skwawka River, Queen's Reach | 16.23.png | The intertidal foreshore of Queens Reach, at the head of Jervis Inlet, from a point on land south of the mouth of the Lausmann Creek at 50°11.55' north latitude and 123°58.75' west longitude, thence northerly to a point on land east of the mouth of the Skwawka River at 50°12.80' north latitude and 123°58.72' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.24 Unnamed bay in Skookumchuck Narrows | 16.24.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the small unnamed bay in Skookumchuck Narrows, Sechelt Inlet, lying east of a line drawn from the western headland at 49°46.02' north latitude and 123°56.20' west longitude, thence northerly to a rock outcrop on the opposite shore at 49°46.12' north latitude and 123°56.15' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.27 North Nelson Island | 16.27.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of northern Nelson Island lying inside of a line drawn from an unnamed point on land at 49°46.47' north latitude and 124°04.04' west longitude, thence westerly across the small bay to an unnamed point on land at 49°46.46' north latitude and 124°04.50' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.28 Lena Bay | 16.28.png | The intertidal foreshore of Lena Bay, Hotham Sound, from an unnamed point on land at 49°55.23' north latitude and 124°01.53' west longitude, thence southeasterly along the northern foreshore of Lena Bay to an unnamed point on land southeast of the mouth of Lena Creek at 49°55.17' north and 124°01.34' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.29 Squitty Bay, Lasqueti Island | 16.29.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Squitty Bay, at the east end of Lasqueti Island, inside a line drawn across the entrance to the bay starting from a point on the north side at 49°27.18' north latitude and 124°09.90' west longitude and, thence due south to a point on the south side. [NAD83] |
| 16.3 Gillies Bay, Texada Island | 16.3.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Gillies Bay, Texada Island, lying inside a line drawn from a point on land on Texada Island, southeast of the intersection of Dogwood Street and Sanderson Road at 49°40.35' north latitude and 124°29.44' west longitude, to a point on land on Texada Island south west of Gillies Bay Road at 49°40.39' north latitude and 124°28.41' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.30 Poise Island | 16.30.png | The intertidal foreshore surrounding Poise Island, located in Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet. [NAD83] |
| 16.32 Quarry Bay, Nelson Island | 16.32.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the middle cove in Quarry Bay, Nelson Island, northeast of a line drawn from a point on land at 49°39.94' north latitude and 124°07.66' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point of land on the opposite shore at 49°39.88' north latitude and 124°07.61' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.34 East side of Agamemnon Channel | 16.34.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore east of the unnamed islet located on the east side of Agamemnon Channel, inside a line drawn from the northernmost point of the islet at 49°43.44' north latitude and 124°02.15' west longitude, thence true east to a point on land on the opposite shore at 49°43.44' north latitude and 124°02.11' west longitude, thence southerly along the inter-tidal foreshore to a point on land at 49°43.38' north latitude and 124°02.16' west longitude, thence true north to the southernmost point of the islet at 49°43.41' north latitude and 124°02.16' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.35 A portion of Narrows Inlet | 16.35.png | The intertidal waters of the southern foreshore of Narrows Inlet from a point on land at the western edge of the sandy beach at 49°40.69' north latitude and 123°48.91' west longitude, thence northeasterly to a point on land east of the mouth of an unnamed creek at 49°40.83' north latitude and 123°48.35' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.36 A portion of Scottie Bay | 16.36.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the southern portion of Scottie Bay south of Lindbergh Island lying inside a line that begins from a point of land on the northeastern most tip of Lindbergh Island at 49°30.92' north latitude and 124°20.49' west longitude thence in a due south direction to a point on land on Lasqueti Island at 49°30.81' north latitude and 124°20.49' west longitude, thence westerly following the shoreline on Lasqueti Island to a point on land at 49°30.97' north latitude and 124°20.91' west longitude, thence in a due east direction to a point of land on Lindbergh Island at 49°30.97' north latitude and 124°20.83' west longitude, thence following the shoreline on Lindbergh Island in an easterly direction to the point of commencement. [NAD83] |
| 16.37 West side of Sechelt Inlet | 16.37.png | The intertidal foreshore of western Sechelt Inlet from a point on land at the old log dump at the northern edge of the cobble beach at 49°37.56' north latitude and 123°50.66' west longitude, thence southerly for approximately 400 m to a point on land where the cobble rocks end and the larger rocks begin at 49°37.37' north latitude and 123°50.54' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.38 Eastern shore of Narrows Inlet | 16.38.png | The intertidal foreshore of the eastern shore of Narrows Inlet commencing from a point on land at the mouth of the unnamed creek located at 49°41.65' north latitude and 123°47.26' west longitude, thence northerly to Tzoonie Point at 49°42.13' north latitude and 123°47.25' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.4 Thunder Bay, Jervis Inlet | 16.4.png | The intertidal foreshore of Thunder Bay, from the headland at the entrance to Maude Cove at 49°45.83' north latitude and 124°16.03' west longitude, thence along the entire foreshore of Thunder Bay to the end of the beach at the northeast end of the bay at 49°46.51' north latitude and 124°15.83' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.42 Unnamed Bay southwest of Potter Point, Lasqueti Island | 16.42.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the unnamed bay southwest of Potter Point, Lasqueti Island, south of a line from Potter Point at 49°30.09' north latitude and 124°16.23' west longitude, thence due west to a point on land at 49°30.09' north latitude and 124°16.40' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.45 Green Bay, Nelson Island | 16.45.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Green Bay, Nelson Island north of a line drawn from a point of land at 49°42.60' north latitude and 124°04.93' west longitude, thence true easterly to a point on land on the opposite shore at 49°42.60' north latitude and 124°04.75' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.46 Southwest St. Vincent Bay | 16.46.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of southwest St. Vincent Bay west of a line drawn from a point of land at 49°49.32' north latitude and 124°05.59' west longitude southwesterly to a point on land at 49°48.97' north latitude and 124°06.00' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.48 Stakawus Creek at Deserted Bay, northern Jervis Inlet | 16.48.png | The intertidal foreshore adjacent to the mouth of Stakawus Creek at Deserted Bay, northern Jervis Inlet, from the northeasternmost piling at 50°04.56' north latitude and 123°46.13' west longitude southwesterly along the low water mark to a moss covered rock face at 50°04.31' north latitude and 123°46.88' west longitude located on the opposite side of the creek mouth. [NAD83] |
| 16.49 Hidden Basin, Nelson Island | 16.49.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the head of Hidden Basin, Nelson Island, lying north of a line drawn across the entrance to the small cove from a point on land at 49°42.74' north latitude and 124°10.27' west longitude, thence due east to a point on land on the opposite shore at 49°42.74' north latitude and 124°10.15' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.5 Churchill Bay, Francis Peninsula | 16.5.png | The intertidal foreshore of Churchill Bay, Francis Peninsula, lying within a 200 m radius of the northernmost point of the bay. [NAD83] |
| 16.50 Anderson Bay, Lasqueti Island | 16.50.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Anderson Bay, along the northeast end of Lasqueti Island, south of a line drawn from a point on land at 49°28.85' north latitude and 124°12.85' west longitude southeasterly to a point on land at 49°28.77' north latitude and 124°12.64' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.51 Southeast Baker Bay, Hotham Sound | 16.51.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of southeast Baker Bay, Hotham Sound, within a 160 m radius centered at the westernmost point of land on the small islet at 49°55.02' north latitude and 124°01.98' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.6 Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | 16.6.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet, extending from a point on shore at the southern boundary of Porpoise Bay Provincial Park at 49°30.25' north latitude and 123°45.00' west longitude thence southerly along the foreshore to the dock at 49°29.40' north latitude and 123°44.95' west longitude thence westerly to the headland on the opposite shore at 49°29.45' north latitude and 123°45.75' west longitude thence northerly along the foreshore to a point on shore at 49°29.75' north latitude and 123°46.05' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.7 Vancouver Bay, Jervis Inlet | 16.7.png | The intertidal foreshore of Vancouver Bay, Jervis Inlet, inside a line drawn from the southernmost point of land on the north side of the Vancouver River at 49°55.32' north latitude and 123°52.20' west longitude, thence southwest to the mouth of the north arm of the Vancouver River at 49°55.27' north latitude and 123°52.37' west longitude, thence south along the low water mark to the dock at 49°54.85' north latitude and 123°52.15' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 16.8 Halfmoon Bay, Sechelt Inlet | 16.8.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Halfmoon Bay lying inside a line drawn from the eastern tip of the unnamed island immediately east of Jeddah Point to the unnamed point in line with the south end of the Redroofs bridge. [NAD83] |
| 16.9 Long Bay, Lasqueti Island | 16.9.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the unnamed bay, locally known as Long Bay, immediately east of Potter Point, Tucker Bay, Lasqueti Island. [NAD83] |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| McLean Bay | The intertidal foreshore of McLean Bay, located in northern Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet, northerly of a line drawn true west from the point on shore where an arm of Angus Creek meets the edge of the beach at 49°30.43' north latitude and 123°45.41' west longitude, thence northerly and westerly along the low tide mark to a point at the western edge of the beach at 49°30.80' north latitude and 123°45.60' west longitude. | |
| Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Porpoise Bay, Sechelt Inlet, extending from a point on shore at the southern boundary of Porpoise Bay Provincial Park at 49°30.25' north latitude and 123°45.00' west longitude, thence southerly along the foreshore to the dock at 49°29.40' north latitude and 123°44.95' west longitude, thence westerly to the headland on the opposite shore at 49°29.45' north latitude and 123°45.75' west longitude, thence northerly along the foreshore to a point on shore at 49°29.75' north latitude and 123°46.05' west longitude. |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
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 | 16 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 1 | Open | |
| Crab - Dungeness | 16 | 165mm | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 4 | Open |
| Crab - Dungeness and Red Rock combined | 16 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 4 | Open | |
| Crab - King | 16 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Crab - Puget Sound King | 16 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 1 | Open | |
| Crab - Red Rock | 16 | 115mm | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 4 | Open |
| Crab - Shore | 16 | hand picking | 75 | Open | |
| Crab - other | 16 | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 4 | Open |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crab | Coastwide | Reminder | As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - Traps must be marked with a tag, float or buoy that has your name and telephone number on it. This includes traps tied to a boat or dock or fished from shore. If two traps are attached to one ground-line, it is sufficient to attach a tag, float or buoy that bears the operator's name and telephone number to one end of the ground-line. |
| Coastwide | Reminder | As a Condition of Licence, crab traps are required to have two unobstructed circular escape holes or rings, measuring a minimum of 105 mm in diameter. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Rot Cord - As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996, all crab traps must have a section in the top or sidewall that has been secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 (approximately 5 mm or 3/16 inch diameter). This twine is often referred to as rot cord. On deterioration this must produce a rectangular opening with a minimum size of 7 cm x 20 cm, or a square opening with a minimum size of 11 cm x 11 cm. This regulation is intended to ensure that if the trap is lost, the section secured by the cord will rot, allowing captive crabs to escape, and preventing the trap from continuing to fish. On traps with a rigid frame and a freely opening hinged lid, the trap lid must be secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 so that the trap lid will open freely when the rot cord is broken. No other fastenings may impede the hinged lid of the trap from opening. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Crab, prawn and shrimp floats - As a Condition of Licence, the primary float attached to crab traps must be cylindrical in shape (includes bullet shaped) and a minimum of 27 cm in length and 12 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than spherical. The primary float attached to prawn and shrimp traps must be spherical in shape and a minimum of 27 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than cylindrical. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Keep navigation channels clear of buoys and lines. Any fishing gear that interferes with safe navigation can be removed under the Navigation Protection Act. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Floats must be made of a durable material and suitable for operation in marine waters. Floats/materials not suitable for use in marine waters are prohibited. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - Maximum of 2 ring nets, dip nets or traps or combination of these per fisher. Ensure gear is properly marked. Hand picking is permitted including by diving. No sharp-pointed instruments are permitted for harvesting crab. It is illegal to use snares in catching or attempting to catch crabs. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - A line or rope attached to a trap must be submerged in such a manner that the line or rope does not come into contact with a person or a boat. | |
| 16 | Time of Day Restrictions | Daylight hours - It is illegal to set or haul crab traps from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. Overnight soaking of traps is allowed. | |
| Crab - Box | Gunboat Bay | Closed | dip net (year round ), hand picking (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), ring net (year round ), trap (year round ) |
| Pender Harbour Recreational Crab Gear Restriction Area | Closed | hand picking while diving (year round ), trap (year round ) | |
| Crab - Dungeness | Gunboat Bay | Closed | dip net (year round ), hand picking (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), ring net (year round ), trap (year round ) |
| Pender Harbour Recreational Crab Gear Restriction Area | Closed | hand picking while diving (year round ), trap (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 | Gunboat Bay | Closed | dip net (year round ), hand picking (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), ring net (year round ), trap (year round ) |
| Pender Harbour Recreational Crab Gear Restriction Area | Closed | hand picking while diving (year round ), trap (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 | Gunboat Bay | Closed | dip net (year round ), hand picking (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), ring net (year round ), trap (year round ) |
| Pender Harbour Recreational Crab Gear Restriction Area | Closed | hand picking while diving (year round ), trap (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 | Gunboat Bay | Closed | dip net (year round ), hand picking (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), ring net (year round ), trap (year round ) |
| Pender Harbour Recreational Crab Gear Restriction Area | Closed | hand picking while diving (year round ), trap (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. |
| Crab - other | Gunboat Bay | Closed | dip net (year round ), hand picking (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), ring net (year round ), trap (year round ) |
| Pender Harbour Recreational Crab Gear Restriction Area | Closed | hand picking while diving (year round ), trap (year round ) |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Gunboat Bay | The waters of Gunboat Bay inside a line from the B.C. Hydro lines at the entrance to Gunboat Bay in Subarea 16-4 | |
| Pender Harbour Recreational Crab Gear Restriction Area | Pender Harbour Recreational Crab Gear Restriction Area | Pender Harbour, east of a line from Henry Point at 49°37.878'N and 123°03.443'W to Francis Peninsula at 49°37.497'N and 123°03.443'W. |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
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 | 16 | 0 | Closed | |
| Barnacles - Giant | 16 | diving | 6 | Open |
| Barnacles - Goose | 16 | hand picking | 2kg | Open |
| Invertebrates - all other species | 16 | 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 | 16 | hand picking | 75 | Open |
| Octopus | 16 | angling, hand picking, hand picking while diving, trap | 1 | Open |
| Sand Dollar | 16 | hand picking | 6 | Open |
| Sea Cucumber | 16 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 12 | Open |
| Sea Star or Starfish | 16 | diving, hand picking | 6 | Open |
| Sea Urchin | 16 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 12 | Open |
| Shellfish - all other species | 16 | angling, dip net, hand digging, hand picking, hand picking while diving, hand pump, ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap | 20 | Open |
| Shrimp - Ghost | 16 | hand digging, hand pump | 50 | Open |
| Shrimp including prawn | 16 | ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap | 125 | Open |
| Squid - Opal | 16 | cast net, jigging | 200 | Open |
| Squid - all other species | 16 | cast net, jigging | 20 | Open |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |
| Octopus | Coastwide | Reminder | The use of sharp pointed instruments or chemicals is prohibited. |
| Shrimp including prawn | 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 | 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 | 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. |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Protected areas
Protected areas
Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:
| Area | Type | Closure name |
|---|---|---|
| 16-1 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Sabine Channel - Jervis - Jedediah Islands |
| Thormanby Island | ||
| 16-2 | Rockfish Conservation Area | McNaughton Point |
| 16-11 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Hardy Island |
| 16-12 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Hotham Sound |
| 16-15 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Princess Louisa Inlet |
| Queens Reach East | ||
| Queens Reach West | ||
| 16-16 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Nelson Island |
| Skookumchuck Narrows | ||
| 16-17 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Salmon Inlet |
| Skookumchuck Narrows | ||
| 16-18 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Malaspina Strait |
| Sinclair Bank | ||
| Skookumchuck Narrows | ||
| 16-19 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Sabine Channel - Jervis - Jedediah Islands |
| Skookumchuck Narrows | ||
| 16-21 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Davie Bay |
| Sabine Channel - Jervis - Jedediah Islands |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Davie Bay | Davie Bay | Those waters of Subarea 16-21 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°36.177'N 124°23.857'W near Davie Bay then to 49°35.500'N 124°24.500'W in water then to 49°33.750'N 124°20.700'W in water then to 49°34.552'N 124°19.900'W shoreline then following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Hardy Island | Hardy Island | The waters of Subarea 16-11 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°45.100'N 124°13.250'W Ball Point then to 49°45.700'N 124°13.750'W in water then to 49°46.400'N 124°05.455'W east side of Vanguard Bay then following the shoreline of Nelson Island following the Subarea 16-11 boundary across to Hardy Island, then following the northerly shoreline of Hardy Island to the beginning point. |
| Hotham Sound | Hotham Sound | The waters of Subarea 16-12 that lie northwesterly of a line: From 49°50.200'N 124°02.281'W Elephant Point To 49°51.567'N 124°00.786'W Harmony Islands then to 49°51.667'N 124°00.527'W shoreline. |
| Malaspina Strait | Malaspina Strait | Those waters of Subarea 16-18 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°39.200'N 124°11.250'W in water then to 49°36.100'N 124°06.000'W in water then to 49°35.200'N 124°09.400'W in water then to 49°38.600'N 124°13.500'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| McNaughton Point | McNaughton Point | That portion of Subarea 16-2 that lies inside a line that: begins at 49°35.300'N 124°01.300'W in water then to 49°35.400'N 124°00.950'W shoreline then southerly following the shoreline to 49°32.873'N 123°59.410'W near Wood Bay then to 49°32.700'N 123°59.700'W in water then to 49°33.900'N 124°00.700'W in water then to 49°34.600'N 124°00.974'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Nelson Island | That portion of Subarea 16-16 that lies easterly of the meridian passing through 124°12.050' west longitude. This includes Blind Bay, Billings Bay, Hidden Basin and Cockburn Bay. | |
| Princess Louisa Inlet | Princess Louisa Inlet | Those waters of Princess Louisa Inlet in Subarea 16-15 that lie northerly of a line: From 50°09.876'N 123°51.013'W Malibu Rapids To 50°09.852'N 123°50.935'W Malibu Rapids. |
| Queens Reach East | Queens Reach East | Those waters of Subarea 16-15 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°11.423'N 123°56.284'W shoreline then to 50°11.150'N 123°56.600'W in water then to 50°09.500'N 123°52.000'W in water then to 50°09.750'N 123°51.450'W shoreline then northwesterly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Queens Reach West | Queens Reach West | The waters of Subarea 16-15 the lie inside a line that: begins at 50°07.948'N 123°51.051'W shoreline then to 50°07.700'N 123°50.100'W in water then to 50°06.132'N 123°49.057'W shoreline then northwesterly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Sabine Channel - Jervis - Jedediah Islands | Sabine Channel - Jervis - Jedediah Islands | The waters of Subareas 16-1, 16-19 and 16-21 inside a line that: begins at 49°30.900'N 124°17.500'W West Point then to 49°32.250'N 124°16.750'W in water then to 49°30.567'N 124°12.600'W Jedediah Island then following the northerly shoreline of Jedediah Island to 49°30.100'N 124°11.583'W Jedediah Island then to 49°29.200'N 124°10.200'W Sheer Island then to 49°27.600'N 124°08.500'W in water then to 49°27.500'N 124°10.067'W south of Windy Bay then following the northerly shoreline of Lasqueti Island to the beginning point. |
| Salmon Inlet | Salmon Inlet | Those waters of Subarea 16-7 that lie easterly of the meridian passing through 123°43.000' west longitude, near Black Bear Bluff and westerly of a line: From 49°40.928'N 123°33.617'W powerline To 49°40.583'N 123°33.325'W powerline. |
| Sinclair Bank | Sinclair Bank | Those waters of Subarea 16-18 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°43.400'N 124°18.750'W in water then to 49°43.400'N 124°15.000'W in water then to 49°41.100'N 124°15.000'W in water then to 49°41.100'N 124°18.750'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Skookumchuck Narrows | Skookumchuck Narrows | Those waters of Subareas 16-6 and 16-9 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°44.800'N 123°54.417'W Skookumchuk Narrows then to 49°44.800'N 123°53.473'W Skookumchuk Narrows then southerly following the shoreline to 49°43.517'N 123°52.049'W shoreline then to 49°43.517'N 123°52.781'W Skookum Island Light then to 49°38.900'N 123°50.700'W in water then to 49°37.500'N 123°49.700'W in water then to 49°37.500'N 123°50.600'W shoreline then northerly following the shoreline of Sechelt Peninsula to the beginning point. |
| Thormanby Island | Thormanby Island | That portion of Subarea 16-1 that lies southerly of a line that: begins at 49°30.497'N 123°58.937'W South Thormanby Island then to 49°31.123'N 123°59.107'W Tattenham Ledge Light Buoy then to 49°30.726'N 123°58.252'W Grant Island then following the northerly shoreline of Grant Island to 49°30.732'N 123°58.058'W Grant Island then to 49°30.771'N 123°57.940'W Mainland then southerly following the shoreline to 49°30.587'N 123°56.019'W near Square Bay then to 49°29.533'N 123°57.240'W Lemburg Point then northerly following the shoreline of South Thomanby Island to the beginning point. |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
- Date modified: