BC tidal area 17 - Nanaimo: 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 17: 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 17 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-5 - Nanaimo, Sechelt, Strait of Georgia: chinook salmon openings and other management measures
- Area 17 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-5 - Nanaimo, Sechelt, Strait of Georgia: 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) | 17 | 62cm | barbless hook and line | 1 Combined Total * Consisting of no more than:
|
Open |
| Chum salmon | 17 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 2 | Open |
| Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | 17 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 2 Combined Total * Consisting of no more than:
|
Open |
| Pink salmon | 17 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 4 | Open |
| Sockeye salmon | 17 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 0 | Non Retention |
Last updated: 2025-07-15
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Restriction type | Restriction details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Chemainus River | Closed | any gear or method (Jul 15 to Oct 31) |
| Nanaimo Harbour Finfish Closure 2 | Closed | any gear or method (Jul 15 to Oct 25) | |
| 17-12 and 17-18 to 17-20 | Reminder | Nanoose Harbour and approaches - Please review important harbour and vessel navigation restrictions, as depicted on Canadian Hydrographic Service Chart 3459. For more details link to: https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/nanoose-harbour.html. Fishers are reminded to exercise caution while obeying navigational and use requirements in the harbour and vicinity. | |
| Salmon | Departure Bay Hook Restriction | Gear Restriction | You are not allowed to harvest using the following gears and methods:
|
| Nanaimo Harbour | Gear Restriction | You are not allowed to harvest using the following gears and methods:
|
|
| 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. | |
| 17 | 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: 2025-07-15
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Chemainus River | That portion of Subarea 17-9 in the tidal waters of the Chemainus River and off the Chemainus River mouth, inside a line commencing at Bare Point on Vancouver Island to the light on North Reef, to Sherard Point on Vancouver Island, then following the shoreline northerly to a boundary sign on the Chemainus River near the Bald Eagle Campground, thence across the river to the opposite bank, then following the Vancouver Island shoreline northerly to the beginning point. | |
| Coastwide | ||
| Departure Bay Hook Restriction | Departure Bay Hook Restriction | That portion of Departure Bay westerly of a line running from the following coordinates 49°12.600'N and 123°57.350'W near the Pacific Biological Station to the light on Brandon Island at 49°12.427'N and 123°57.571'W to the most westerly BC Ferry dock located at approximately 49°11.672'N and 123°57.372'W. |
| Nanaimo Harbour | Nanaimo Harbour | That portion of Nanaimo Harbour shoreward of a line from the end of the most southerly dock located at the Nanaimo Yacht Club (49°10.614'N and 123°56.336'W) to the Pedestrian Fishing Pier (Crab Dock) located at Swy-a-lana Lagoon (49°10.264 N and 123°56.051'W). |
| Nanaimo Harbour Finfish Closure 2 | That portion of Subarea 17-14 southerly from a line from Shaft Point on Newcastle Island to Pimbury Point on Vancouver Island; including that portion of Subarea 17-15 southwesterly of a line from Jack's Point to Gallows Point on Protection Island, except that portion of Subarea 17-14 listed below. |
Last updated: 2025-07-15
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 | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 8 | Open | |
| Eulachon | 17 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Finfish - all other species | 17 | angling, dip net, herring jig, herring rake, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Greenling | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 3 | Open | |
| Halibut | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open | |
| Herring | 17 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 20kg | Open | |
| Lingcod | 17 | 65cm | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open |
| Mackerel | 17 | angling, dip net, herring jig, spear fishing while diving | 100 | Open | |
| Northern Anchovy | 17 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 20kg | Open | |
| Pacific sand lance | 17 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 5kg | Open | |
| Pacific sardine | 17 | angling, dip net, herring jig, spear fishing while diving | 100 | Open | |
| Rockfish - Yelloweye | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 0 | Non Retention | |
| Rockfish - all species except Yelloweye | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open | |
| Sablefish | 17 | angling | 4 | Open | |
| Sculpin | 17 | angling | 8 | Open | |
| Shark - Basking | 17 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Blue | 17 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Brown Cat | 17 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Great White | 17 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Salmon | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open | |
| Shark - Sixgill | 17 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Tope | 17 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - all other species | 17 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Skate | 17 | angling | 1 | Open | |
| Smelt | 17 | dip net, gill net | 20kg | Open | |
| Sole or Flounder | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 8 | Open | |
| Spiny Dogfish | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 4 | Open | |
| Surfperch | 17 | angling | 8 | Open | |
| Tuna - Albacore | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Tuna - Bluefin | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Tuna - all other species | 17 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| White Sturgeon | 17 | angling | 0 | Non Retention | |
| Wolf Eel | 17 | angling | 0 | Non Retention |
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (hatchery and wild combined) | 17 | 30cm | angling | 2 Combined Total * Consisting of no more than:
|
Open |
Last updated: 2025-06-03
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Restriction type | Restriction details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Chemainus River | Closed | any gear or method (Jul 15 to Oct 31) |
| Nanaimo Harbour Finfish Closure 2 | Closed | any gear or method (Jul 15 to Oct 25) | |
| 17-12 and 17-18 to 17-20 | Reminder | Nanoose Harbour and approaches - Please review important harbour and vessel navigation restrictions, as depicted on Canadian Hydrographic Service Chart 3459. For more details link to: https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/nanoose-harbour.html. Fishers are reminded to exercise caution while obeying navigational and use requirements in the harbour and vicinity. | |
| 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. |
| Groundfish | North of Winchelsea Islands | Reminder | No anchorage and no trap or bottom contact fishing area - Anchoring and bottom contact fishing is prohibited. Fishing in this area is restricted to gear that does not contact the bottom and is extended to trap fishing and bottom jigging. Trolling in the area is permitted. |
| 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 | 17 | 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. |
| 17 | Reminder | Lingcod - Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm (21 in). | |
| 17 | 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: 2025-07-15
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Chemainus River | That portion of Subarea 17-9 in the tidal waters of the Chemainus River and off the Chemainus River mouth, inside a line commencing at Bare Point on Vancouver Island to the light on North Reef, to Sherard Point on Vancouver Island, then following the shoreline northerly to a boundary sign on the Chemainus River near the Bald Eagle Campground, thence across the river to the opposite bank, then following the Vancouver Island shoreline northerly to the beginning point. | |
| Coastwide | ||
| Nanaimo Harbour Finfish Closure 2 | That portion of Subarea 17-14 southerly from a line from Shaft Point on Newcastle Island to Pimbury Point on Vancouver Island; including that portion of Subarea 17-15 southwesterly of a line from Jack's Point to Gallows Point on Protection Island, except that portion of Subarea 17-14 listed below. | |
| North of Winchelsea Islands | North of Winchelsea Islands, bounded by 49°18.76'N, 124° 06.260' W and 49°17.213' N, 124° 02.135' W and 49° 17.457' N, 124° 04.577' W and 49° 17.730 N, 124° 05.217' W |
Last updated: 2025-07-15
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) |
|---|---|---|
| 17-1 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse | |
| 17-2 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse |
|
| 17-3 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 17-4 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-5 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-6 |
|
|
| 17-7 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-8 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse | |
| 17-9 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse | |
| 17-10 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-11 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 17-12 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-13 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-14 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-15 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 17-16 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-17 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-18 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-19 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 17-20 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific;Scallop - other;Scallop - Pacific;Scallop - Pink;Scallop - Spiny | |
| 17-21 | Closed to All Bivalve Species |
Last updated: 2025-07-18
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Daily Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clam - Butter | 17 | hand digging, hand picking | 20 |
| Clam - Horse | 17 | hand digging, hand picking | 6 |
| Clam - Littleneck | 17 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - Manila | 17 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - Razor | 17 | hand digging | 12 |
| Clam - Softshell | 17 | hand digging | 25 |
| Clam - Varnish | 17 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - all species combined | 17 | hand digging, hand picking | 60 |
| Cockles | 17 | hand digging, hand picking | 25 |
| Geoduck | 17 | hand digging, hand picking | 3 |
| Mussel - Blue | 17 | hand picking | 75 |
| Mussel - California | 17 | hand picking | 25 |
| Mussels - all species combined | 17 | hand picking | 75 |
| Oyster - Olympia | 17 | 0 | |
| Oyster - all species except Olympia | 17 | hand picking | 12 |
| Scallop - Pink and Spiny | 17 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 75 |
| Scallop - Purple-hinged rock | 17 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Scallop - Weathervane | 17 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Scallop - Weathervane and Purple-hinged rock combined | 17 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Snail - Moon | 17 | hand picking | 2 |
| Snail - other | 17 | hand picking | 75 |
| Whelks | 17 | hand picking | 75 |
Last updated: 2025-06-03
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Restriction type | Restriction details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shellfish | 17-12 and 17-18 to 17-20 | Reminder | Nanoose Harbour and approaches - Please review important harbour and vessel navigation restrictions, as depicted on Canadian Hydrographic Service Chart 3459. For more details link to: https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/nanoose-harbour.html. Fishers are reminded to exercise caution while obeying navigational and use requirements in the harbour and vicinity. |
| Bivalve Species | Coastwide | Reminder | Because of the risk of contamination, you are not allowed to harvest bivalve shellfish (for any purpose) within: (1) 300 metres around industrial, municipal and sewage treatment plant outfall discharges (2) 125 metres around a marina, ferry wharf, floating living accommodation, or any finfish net pen (exceptions described as follows) (3) 25 meters around any floating living accommodation facility located within a shellfish aquaculture tenure where a zero-discharge and appropriate waste management plan is a condition of the Aquaculture Licence and is approved by the Regional Interdepartmental Committee (4) 0 meters of any finfish net pen within an aquaculture tenure where an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Management Plan approved by the Regional Interdepartmental Committee is in operation. |
| Coastwide | Reminder | 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 | When Open, the possession limit for bivalve shellfish is twice the daily limit. | |
| Clam - Butter | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Clam - Horse | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Clam - Littleneck | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Clam - Manila | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Clam - Razor | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Clam - Varnish | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Clam - all species combined | 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. |
| 17 | Reminder | Clam harvesters are encouraged to fill in holes to reduce predation on exposed juvenile clams. | |
| 17 | Reminder | It is illegal to use any mechanical apparatus or dredge for harvesting clams. | |
| Cockles | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Geoduck | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Mussel - Blue | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Mussel - California | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Mussels - all species combined | 17 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for all mussel species is 75. |
| Oyster - Olympia | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Oyster - all species except Olympia | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| 17 | 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 | 17 | Reminder | Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details. |
| Scallop - Purple-hinged rock | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Scallop - Pink and Spiny | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
| Scallop - Weathervane | Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ), picking while diving (year round ) |
Last updated: 2025-06-17
Area descriptions
| Closure | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| 17.1 Ladysmith Harbour | 17.1.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Ladysmith Harbour lying inside a line drawn from Sharpe Point at 48°58.88' north latitude and 123°46.10' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point southeast of Boulder Point at the foot of South Oyster School Road at 48°57.49' north latitude and 123°45.35' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.10 Walker Hook, Saltspring Island | 17.10.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Walker Hook, Saltspring Island, lying inside a line drawn from the western tip of Walker Hook, thence due south to a point at 48°53.61' north latitude and 123°30.25' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.12 Clam Bay and Telegraph Harbour | 17.12.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Clam Bay and Telegraph Harbour, including the boat passage between Thetis Island and Penelakut Island, west of a line drawn from a point on land on Penelakut Island near the entrance to 'The Cut' at 48°59.004' north latitude and 123°39.326' west longitude, thence northeasterly to the southernmost point of Leech Island at 48°59.462' north latitude and 123°38.886' west longitude, thence following the western shoreline of Leech Island to the northernmost point of Leech Island at 48°59.581' north latitude and 123°39.022' west longitude, thence westerly to a point on land on Thetis Island at 48°59.563' north latitude and 123°39.249' west longitude; and east of a line drawn from Foster Point on Thetis Island at 48°58.174' north latitude and 123°40.081' west longitude, to the Penelakut Island public wharf where it touches land at 48°58.215' north latitude and 123°39.540' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.13 Malaview Estates sewage outfall, Saltspring Island | 17.13.png | The intertidal foreshore of Saltspring Island lying 1500 m northwest and 500 m southeast of the Malaview Estates sewage treatment plant outfall sign, southeast of Fernwood Point. [NAD83] |
| 17.16 Taylor Bay, Gabriola Island | 17.16.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Taylor Bay, Gabriola Island, lying within a 400 m radius of the most northeastern point of Taylor Bay. [NAD83] |
| 17.17 South Side of Descanso Bay, Gabriola Island | 17.17.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Descanso Bay, Gabriola Island, lying within a 70 m radius of the culvert entering the southern end of the bay. [NAD83] |
| 17.18 Lantzville | 17.18.png | The intertidal foreshore of Lantzville, from Peterson Road eastward to a point 50 m east of the boat ramp at the Shoregrove Resort. [NAD83] |
| 17.19 Duck Bay, Saltspring Island | 17.19.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Duck Bay, Saltspring Island, lying inside, that is eastward, of a line drawn due north from the first headland on the south side of Dock Point to the opposite shore. [NAD83] |
| 17.20 Vesuvius Bay, Saltspring Island | 17.20.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the northern shore of Vesuvius Bay, Saltspring Island, from a point on the shore 150 m north of the ferry slip to a point on the shore 500 m southeast of the ferry terminal. [NAD83] |
| 17.21 Booth Bay, Saltspring Island | 17.21.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Booth Inlet on the west side of Saltspring Island, east of a line drawn from a point on land at 48°51.960' north latitude and 123°32.795' west longitude southwesterly to a point on land on the opposite shore at 48°51.937' north latitude and 123°32.826' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.22 Porter Creek, Stuart Channel | 17.22.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore lying within a 400 m radius of the mouth of Porter Creek, Stuart Channel. [NAD83] |
| 17.23 Unnamed Bay Northwest Side of Saltspring Island | 17.23.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the small unnamed bay located at 48°56.00' north latitude and 123°35.75' west longitude, on the northwest side of Saltspring Island. [NAD83] |
| 17.24 Stone Cutters Bay, Saltspring Island | 17.24.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Stone Cutters Bay, Saltspring Island, lying inside of a line drawn due north from the first headland on the south side of Stone Cutters Bay to the opposite shore at 48°55.77' north latitude and 123°35.57' west longitude. [NAD27] |
| 17.25 North Side of Descanso Bay, Gabriola Island | 17.25.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Descanso Bay, Gabriola Island, from the point of land on the north side of the bay at 49°10.78' north latitude and 123°51.61' west longitude thence west to a point on the opposite shore at 49°10.80' north latitude and 123°51.67' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.26 Southey Bay, Saltspring Island | 17.26.png | The intertidal foreshore of Southey Bay, Saltspring Island, lying inside a line drawn from the north shore of Southey Bay at 48°56.54' north latitude and 123°35.50' west longitude thence southerly to the south shore at 48°56.50' north latitude and 123°35.55' west longitude. [NAD27] |
| 17.27 Nanoose Harbour, Knarston Creek | 17.27.png | The intertidal foreshore spanning approximately 1.2 nautical miles in the vicinity of Knarston Creek, Nanoose Harbour (a portion of the area between Fleet Point and Blunden Point), bounded on the west by a line drawn from a point on land at 49°15.27' north latitude and 124°07.12' west longitude due north to the low water mark, and bounded on the east by a line drawn from a point on land at 49°15.25' north latitude and 124°05.54' west longitude, true north to the low water mark. [NAD83] |
| 17.3 Chemainus Bay to Shoal Islands | 17.3.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Chemainus Bay, the Shoal Islands and Osborn Bay lying inside a line drawn from the outcrop on the northwest side of Askew Creek at 48°56.01' north latitude and 123°43.59' west longitude, thence northeasterly to a point in water at 48°56.19' north latitude and 123°43.41' west longitude, thence southeasterly to the North Reef Light, at 48°54.84' north latitude and 123°37.61' west longitude, thence southerly to a point on land near a line of pilings located westerly of Sherard Point at 48°51.75' north latitude and, 123°37.61' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.30 Winchelsea Islands | 17.30.png | The intertidal foreshore of the Winchelsea Islands. [NAD83] |
| 17.31 Ada Islands | 17.31.png | The intertidal foreshore of the Ada Islands. [NAD83] |
| 17.32 Conover Cove, Wallace Islands | 17.32.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Conover Cove, Wallace Island, lying east of a line drawn from the tip of the peninsula at the north end of the entrance at 48°56.21' north latitude and 123°32.71' west longitude southeasterly to the tip of the peninsula at the south end of the entrance at 48°56.17' north latitude and 123°32.66' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.34 Montague Harbour, Galiano Island | 17.34.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of northwest Montague Harbour, Galiano Island, within 125 m of the point where the public dock meets the land at 48°53.85' north latitude and 123°24.18' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.35 Boat Harbour | 17.35.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Boat Harbour inside a line commencing from Flewett Point at 49°05.49' north latitude and 123°47.88' west longitude, thence northwesterly to a point on land at 49°05.54' north latitude and 123°48.11' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.36 Clifcoe Road, Saltair | 17.36.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore lying within a 250 meter radius of the discharge pipe at the end of Clifcoe Road, Saltair at 48°57.21' north latitude and 123°44.99' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.37 McFadden Creek, Saltspring Island | 17.37.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore lying within a 200 meter radius of McFadden Creek on Saltspring Island at 48°55.65' north latitude and 123°33.59' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.38 Clark Bay | 17.38.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Clark Bay on the north side of Gabriola Island commencing at a point on the western foreshore at 49°12.06' north latitude and 123°49.85' west longitude and thence south-easterly to a point on land at 49°12.00' north latitude and 123°49.72' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.39 Schooner Cove, Nanoose Wastewater Treatment Plant | 17.39.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore surrounding Schooner Cove within a radius of 900 metres of the seaward end of the Schooner Cove marina breakwater located at or near 49°17.27' north latitude and 124°07.98' west longitude, extending northwesterly along the shore of Vancouver Island to 49°17.53' north latitude and 124°08.60' west longitude, and southeasterly along the shore of Vancouver Island to 49°16.85' north latitude and 124°07.61' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.4 Nanaimo Harbour | 17.4.png | The intertidal foreshore of Newcastle Island from Shaft Point at 49°11.68' north latitude and 123°56.83' west longitude to Nares Point at 49°12.17' north latitude and 123°56.61', and the waters and intertidal foreshore of Nanaimo Harbour and Newcastle Island Passage inside a line that commences at Jack Point at 49°10.00' north latitude and 123°53.68' west longitude, thence to Gallows Point on Protection Island at 49°10.23' north latitude and 123°55.08' west longitude thence following the western shore of Protection Island to Batchelor Point at 49°10.99' north latitude and 123°54.95' west longitude, thence to an unnamed point of land on Newcastle Island at 49°11.38' north latitude and 123°55.34' west longitude, then following the southern shore of Newcastle Island to Shaft Point at 49°11.68' north latitude and 123°56.83' west longitude thence to Pimbury Point 49°11.60' north latitude and 123°56.94' then following the shoreline to the point of commencement at Jack Point. [NAD83] |
| 17.40 Northumberland Channel, Duke Point Wastewater Treatment Plant | 17.40.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Northumberland Channel, southwest of a line drawn from Jack Point at 49°09.98' north latitude and 123°53.61' west longitude, to the prominent point of land on Vancouver Island west of Joan Point at 49°08.13' north latitude and 123°49.91' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.41 Hammond Bay | 17.41.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Georgia Strait lying inside of a line drawn from a point of land west of Neck Point at 49°14.178' north latitude and 123°58.200' west longitude, thence northeast to a point in water at 49°15.042' north latitude and 123°56.838' west longitude, thence southeast to a point in water east of Five Finger Island at 49°13.890' north latitude and 123°54.865' west longitude, thence southwest to a point in water at 49°12.926' north latitude and 123°56.032' west longitude, thence northwest to a point of land at 49°13.324' north latitude and 123°56.805' west longitude following the high tide mark northwest to the point of commencement. [NAD83] |
| 17.44 Southeast of Icarus Point to west of Neck Point | 17.44.png | The intertidal foreshore from a point on land at 49°14.95' north latitude and 124°02.19' west longitude at Icarus Point following the intertidal boundary southeasterly to a point on land at 49°14.34' north latitude and 123°59.81' west longitude approximately 2.5 km west of Neck Point. [NAD83] |
| 17.45 West of Coffin Point, Evening Cove | 17.45.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the unnamed bay west of Coffin Point within Evening Cove lying north of a line drawn from a point of land at 48°59.23' north latitude and 123°45.82' west longitude thence southeasterly to a point on land at 48°59.20' north latitude and 123°45.55' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.46 Sansum Narrows, Saltspring Island | 17.46.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of that portion of Subarea 17-6 inside a line that commences at 48°54.201' N 123°35.396' W [Saltspring Is] then following the shoreline to 48°53.966' N 123°35.568' W then in a straight line to 48°54.008' N 123°35.665' W [in water] then in a straight line to the point of commencement. [NAD 83] |
| 17.5 Departure Bay | 17.5.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Departure Bay from Pimbury Point to Horswell Bluff at 49°12.76' north latitude and 123°56.36' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.6 Degnen Bay, Gabriola Island | 17.6.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Degnen Bay, Gabriola Island, lying north of a line drawn from a point on land at 49°08.028' north latitude and 123°43.129' west longitude thence northeasterly to a point of land at 49°08.115' north latitude and 123°42.767' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 17.7 Silva Bay, Gabriola Island | 17.7.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Silva Bay, Gabriola Island lying within a line drawn from the southern tip of Law Point to the northwestern tip of Sear Island and thence southwesterly to the shoreline of Gabriola Island. [NAD83] |
| 17.8 Montague Harbour, Galiano Island | 17.8.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Montague Harbour, Galiano Island, inside a line drawn from Winstanley Point, thence northerly to the base of the overhead cable tower on the northeastern foreshore of the harbour. [NAD83] |
| 17.B Pirates Cove, De Courcy Island | 17.B.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Pirates Cove, De Courcy Island. |
| 17.D Cove Northwest of Conover Cove | 17.D.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the cove northwest of Conover Cove, Wallace Island, lying inside a line drawn from the northwesternmost point of the shoal at 48°56.65' north latitude and 123°33.40' west longitude, thence northeasterly to the end of the headland on the opposite shore. [NAD27] |
| 17.E Montague Harbour, Galiano Island | 17.E.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Montague Harbour, Galiano Island, inside a line drawn from the southeastern tip of Gray Peninsula northeasterly to the base of the overhead cable tower on the northeastern foreshore of the harbour. |
| 17.F Clam Bay | 17.F.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Clam Bay inside of a line drawn from a point on land on Penelakut Island near the entrance to 'The Cut' at 48°59.01' north latitude and 123°39.32' west longitude northeasterly to the southernmost point of Leech Island at 48°59.47' north latitude and 123°38.88' west longitude, thence southeasterly to the tip of Penelakut Spit on Penelakut Island at 48°58.99' north latitude and 123°38.10' west longitude, and thence following the shoreline along the high tide mark back to the point of commencement. [NAD83] |
| 17-6.A | 17-6.A.png | That portion of Subarea 17-6 west of a line drawn from a point starting at the boundary line for Subarea 17-8 on Penelakut (Kuper) Island at 48º56.06' N latitude and 123º37.88' W longitude heading in a straight line southwesterly to a point at 48º55.02' N latitude, 123º38.48' W longitude on the Subarea boundary line between Subareas 17-6 and 17-9. [NAD83] |
| 17-6.B | 17-6.B.png | That portion of Subarea 17-6 east of a line drawn from a point starting at the boundary line for Subarea 17-8 on Penelakut (Kuper) Island at 48º56.06' N latitude and 123º37.88' W longitude, heading in a straight line southwesterly to a point 48º55.03' N latitude, 123º38.48' W longitude on the Subarea boundary line between Subareas 17-6 and 17-9. [NAD83] |
Last updated: 2025-07-18
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Neck Point and Horswell Bluff | The waters and intertidal foreshore between Neck Point and Horswell Bluff on Vancouver Island, including all of Pipers Lagoon, inside a line drawn from a point of land north of Neck Point at 49°14.16' north latitude and 123°58.21' west longitude, thence northeasterly to a point in water at 49°14.42' north latitude and 123°58.00' west longitude, thence northeasterly to a point in water at 49°15.09' north latitude and 123°56.12' west longitude, thence southeasterly to the westernmost tip of Five Finger Island at 49°13.86' north latitude and 123°55.05' west longitude, thence southwesterly to northern tip of an unnamed islet in Hudson Rocks at 49° 13.48' north latitude and 123°55.45' west longitude, thence southwesterly to the navigation buoy at 49°13.43' north latitude and 123°55.68' west longitude, thence southwesterly to a point on land south of Lagoon Head at 49°13.38' north latitude and 123°56.84' west longitude. |
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 | 17 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 1 | Open | |
| Crab - Dungeness | 17 | 165mm | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 4 | Open |
| Crab - Dungeness and Red Rock combined | 17 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 4 | Open | |
| Crab - King | 17 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Crab - Puget Sound King | 17 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 1 | Open | |
| Crab - Red Rock | 17 | 115mm | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 4 | Open |
| Crab - Shore | 17 | hand picking | 75 | Open | |
| Crab - other | 17 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shellfish | 17-12 and 17-18 to 17-20 | Reminder | Nanoose Harbour and approaches - Please review important harbour and vessel navigation restrictions, as depicted on Canadian Hydrographic Service Chart 3459. For more details link to: https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/nanoose-harbour.html. Fishers are reminded to exercise caution while obeying navigational and use requirements in the harbour and vicinity. |
| Crab | Crofton | Dioxin Contamination (g/w) | 40 - Consumption of crab hepatopancreas in a portion of Stuart Channel should not exceed 40 g/week. This area of Stuart Channel is bounded on the north by a line from Donckele Point on Kuper Island to the point at the southeastern entrance to Preedy Harbour on Thetis Island, thence to the most southern point of Dayman Island, thence to the most southern point of Scott Island, westerly to Sharpe Point on Vancouver Island, thence southwesterly across Ladysmith Harbour to a point on the shore 230° true from Sharpe Point; thence southerly along the shore of Vancouver Island to Grave Point; thence north of a line to Erskine Point on Saltspring Island; thence northerly along the shore to Parminter Point, thence west of a line to Josling Point on Kuper Island, thence northerly along the shore to the point of commencement at Donckele Point. |
| Nanaimo (Harmac) | Dioxin Contamination (g/w) | 105 - Consumption of crab hepatopancreas harvested in the waters west of a line from Reynolds Point to Miami Islet to a point at the entrance to Kulleet Bay true south of Deer Point, should not exceed 105 g/week. | |
| North of Winchelsea Islands | Reminder | No anchorage and no trap or bottom contact fishing area - Anchoring and bottom contact fishing is prohibited. Fishing in this area is restricted to gear that does not contact the bottom and is extended to trap fishing and bottom jigging. Trolling in the area is permitted. | |
| 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. | |
| 17 | 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 - Dungeness | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | ||
| Crofton | Portion of Stuart Channel bounded on the north by a line from Donckele Point on Kuper Island to the point at the southeastern entrance to Preedy Harbour on Thetis Island, thence to the most southern point of Dayman Island, thence to the most southern point of Scott Island, westerly to Sharpe Point on Vancouver Island, thence southwesterly across Ladysmith Harbour to a point on the shore 230° true from Sharpe Point; thence southerly along the shore of Vancouver Island to Grave Point; thence north of a line to Erskine Point on Saltspring Island; thence northerly along the shore to Parminter Point, thence west of a line to Josling Point on Kuper Island, thence northerly along the shore to the point of commencement at Donckele Point. | |
| Nanaimo (Harmac) | Waters west of a line from Reynolds Point to Miami Islet to a point at the entrance to Kulleet Bay true south of Deer Point | |
| North of Winchelsea Islands | North of Winchelsea Islands, bounded by 49°18.76'N, 124° 06.260' W and 49°17.213' N, 124° 02.135' W and 49° 17.457' N, 124° 04.577' W and 49° 17.730 N, 124° 05.217' W |
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 | 17 | 0 | Closed | |
| Barnacles - Giant | 17 | diving | 6 | Open |
| Barnacles - Goose | 17 | hand picking | 2kg | Open |
| Invertebrates - all other species | 17 | 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 | 17 | hand picking | 75 | Open |
| Octopus | 17 | angling, hand picking, hand picking while diving, trap | 1 | Open |
| Sand Dollar | 17 | hand picking | 6 | Open |
| Sea Cucumber | 17 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 12 | Open |
| Sea Star or Starfish | 17 | diving, hand picking | 6 | Open |
| Sea Urchin | 17 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 12 | Open |
| Shellfish - all other species | 17 | angling, dip net, hand digging, hand picking, hand picking while diving, hand pump, ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap | 20 | Open |
| Shrimp - Ghost | 17 | hand digging, hand pump | 50 | Open |
| Shrimp including prawn | 17 | ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap | 125 | Open |
| Squid - Opal | 17 | cast net, jigging | 200 | Open |
| Squid - all other species | 17 | cast net, jigging | 20 | Open |
Last updated: 2025-06-03
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Restriction type | Restriction details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shellfish | 17-12 and 17-18 to 17-20 | Reminder | Nanoose Harbour and approaches - Please review important harbour and vessel navigation restrictions, as depicted on Canadian Hydrographic Service Chart 3459. For more details link to: https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/nanoose-harbour.html. Fishers are reminded to exercise caution while obeying navigational and use requirements in the harbour and vicinity. |
| Other Invertebrates | North of Winchelsea Islands | Reminder | No anchorage and no trap or bottom contact fishing area - Anchoring and bottom contact fishing is prohibited. Fishing in this area is restricted to gear that does not contact the bottom and is extended to trap fishing and bottom jigging. Trolling in the area is permitted. |
| 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. | |
| 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: 2025-06-17
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| North of Winchelsea Islands | North of Winchelsea Islands, bounded by 49°18.76'N, 124° 06.260' W and 49°17.213' N, 124° 02.135' W and 49° 17.457' N, 124° 04.577' W and 49° 17.730 N, 124° 05.217' W |
Last updated: 2025-06-17
Protected areas
Protected areas
Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Ballenas Island | Ballenas Island | The waters of Subareas 17-11 and 17-12 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°21.023'N 124°09.615'W Ballenas Island Light then true east to 49°21.023'N 124°07.600'W in water then true south to 49°19.600'N 124°07.600'W in water then true west to 49°19.600'N 124°09.615'W in water then true north to the beginning point. |
| Coffin Point | Coffin Point | The waters of Subarea 17-5 inside a line that: begins at 49°00.600'N 123°45.933'W north of Coffin Point then to 49°00.600'N 123°44.800'W in water then to 48°59.800'N 123°44.000'W in water then to 48°59.250'N 123°44.000'W in water then to 48°59.250'N 123°45.474'W Coffin Point then northerly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Danger Reefs | Danger Reefs | Those waters of Subarea 17-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°03.600'N 123°43.600'W in water then to 49°03.900'N 123°43.000'W in water then to 49°03.000'N 123°42.300'W in water then to 49°02.800'N 123°42.800'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| De Courcy Island North | De Courcy Island North | Those waters of Subarea 17-17 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°07.300'N 123°46.094'W Link Island then to 49°07.632'N 123°44.000'W Gabriola Island then to 49°06.000'N 123°44.075'W Pirates Cove then to 49°06.000'N 123°44.255'W De Courcy Island then following the easterly shoreline of De Courcy Island to 49°06.701'N 123°45.520'W De Courcy Island then to 49°06.726'N 123°45.551'W Link Island then following the easterly shoreline of Link Island to the beginning point. |
| Departure Bay | Departure Bay | Those waters of Subareas 17-12 and 17-13 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°12.929'N 123°56.468'W north of Horswell Bluff then to 49°12.929'N 123°56.033'W Horswell Channel Buoy then to 49°11.927'N 123°55.513'W McKay Point then westerly following the shoreline of Newcastle Island to 49°11.700'N 123°56.821'W Shaft Point then to 49°12.427'N 123°57.571'W Brandon Islands then to 49°12.600'N 123°57.350'W Pacific Biological then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Gabriola Island | Gabriola Island | That portion of Subarea 17-11 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°13.672'N 123°47.577'W then southerly to 49°13.235'N 123°47.429'W then to 49°13.185'N 123°47.882'W then to 49°13.391'N 123°48.119'W then to 49°13.623'N 123°48.166'W then to the beginning point. |
| Gabriola Passage | Gabriola Passage | Those waters of Subareas 17-10, 17-17 and 29-5 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°08.200'N 123°41.549'W Gabriola Island then true east to 49°08.200'N 123°41.140'W Breakwater Island then southerly following the westerly shoreline of Breakwater Island to 49°07.546'N 123°40.897'W Breakwater Island then to 49°07.110'N 123°41.125'W Valdes Island then northerly following the shoreline of Valdes Island to 49°07.625'N 123°42.913'W Dibuxante Point then to 49°07.775'N 123°43.033'W Gabriola Island then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Lasqueti South - Young Point | Lasqueti South - Young Point | Those waters of Subarea 17-11 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°26.333'N 124°08.167'W in water then to 49°26.333'N 124°05.733'W in water then to 49°24.633'N 124°05.733'W in water then to 49°24.633'N 124°08.167'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Nanoose - Schooner Cove | Nanoose - Schooner Cove | Those waters of Subareas 17-12, 17-18 and 17-19 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°18.100'N 124°10.215'W Vancouver Island then to 49°18.261'N 124°09.293'W Amelia Island then to 49°18.400'N 124°07.917'W Yeo Islands then to 49°17.100'N 124°05.600'W Ada Islands then to 49°16.262'N 124°05.100'W Maude Island then to 49°15.718'N 124°07.470'W Imperieuse Rock Light Buoy then to 49°15.923'N 124°07.494'W Nanoose Harbour then northerly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Northumberland Channel | Northumberland Channel | Those waters of Subareas 17-12, 17-13, 17-15 and 17-16 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°13.044'N 123°53.432'W Snake Island Light then to 49°11.946'N 123°51.250'W Tinson Point then southerly following the shoreline to 49°09.350'N 123°51.400'W Gabriola Island then to 49°08.417'N 123°51.400'W Harmac Pier then northwesterly following the shoreline to 49°10.000'N 123°53.600'W Jack Point Area then to the beginning point. |
| Prevost Island North | Prevost Island North | Those waters of Subareas 17-1, 18-2 and 18-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°51.000'N 123°25.423'W Athol Peninsula then to 48°51.623'N 123°23.465'W Ben Mohr Light Buoy then to 48°49.949'N 123°21.550'W near Portlock Point then following the northwesterly shoreline of Prevost Island to 48°48.544'N 123°21.940'W Point Liddell then to 48°48.618'N 123°22.902'W Acland Islands Light Buoy then to 48°49.854'N 123°25.033'W Horda Shoals Light Buoy then to 48°50.552'N 123°25.175'W Nose Point Light then following the shoreline of Athol Peninsula to the beginning point. |
| Reynolds Point - Link Island | Reynolds Point - Link Island | Those waters of Subareas 17-4 and 17-16 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°06.917'N 123°48.313'W boat launch then to 49°06.917'N 123°45.750'W Link Island then southerly following the Link Island shoreline to 49°06.726'N 123°45.551'W Link Island then to 49°06.701'N 123°45.520'W De Courcy Island then westerly following the De Courcy Island shoreline to 49°06.633'N 123°45.567'W De Courcy Island then to 49°05.800'N 123°48.040'W Reynolds Point then northerly following the Vancouver Island shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Ruxton - Pylades Islands | Ruxton - Pylades Islands | Those waters of Subareas 17-4 and 17-17 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°05.550'N 123°43.193'W De Courcy Island then to 49°05.700'N 123°42.700'W in water then to 49°04.250'N 123°40.800'W in water then to 49°03.500'N 123°40.600'W in water then to 49°03.400'N 123°42.000'W in water then to 49°04.100'N 123°42.200'W in water then to 49°05.250'N 123°44.250'W in water then to 49°05.478'N 123°44.100'W De Courcy Island then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Saltspring Island North | Saltspring Island North | Those waters of Subareas 17-2 and 17-6 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°56.000'N 123°35.850'W Saltspring Island then to 48°56.343'N 123°36.165'W Grappler Rock Light then to 48°57.533'N 123°35.486'W most northerly of the Secretary Islands then following the southerly shoreline in an easterly direction to the intersection with the parallel passing through 48°57.600' north latitude, then true east to the most southerly of the Secretary Islands, then following the westerly shoreline in a southerly direction: to 48°57.400'N 123°34.628'W Secretary Islands then to 48°57.398'N 123°34.453'W Chivers Point then following the westerly shoreline of Wallace Island to 48°55.895'N 123°32.102'W Panther Point then to 48°55.183'N 123°32.904'W Saltspring Island then northerly and westerly following the shoreline of Saltspring Island to the beginning point. |
| Thetis - Kuper Islands | Thetis - Kuper Islands | Those portions of Subareas 17-4, 17-5 and 17-6 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°02.468'N 123°42.785'W Miami Rock Buoy then to 49°01.267'N 123°41.194'W Pilkey Point then following the northerly and westerly shoreline of Thetis Island 48°58.156'N 123°40.420'W west of Foster Point then to 48°57.458'N 123°39.715'W Active Point then southerly following the westerly shoreline of Kuper Island to 48°56.031'N 123°37.921'W Josling Point then to 48°55.773'N 123°42.364'W Bare Point Light then to the beginning point. |
| Trincomali Channel | Trincomali Channel | That portion of Subarea 17-2 that lies southeasterly of a line that: begins at 48°58.758'N 123°34.125'W Chivers Point then to 48°57.394'N 123°34.428'W Spot Light Cove then southerly following the Galiano Island shoreline to 48°53.732'N 123°24.648'W Gray Peninsula then to 48°53.618'N 123°24.802'W Parker Island then following the northerly shoreline of Parker Island to 48°53.594'N 123°25.716'W Parker Island then to 48°53.949'N 123°26.513'W Wise Island then following the northerly shoreline of Wise Island to 48°54.187'N 123°26.877'W Wise Island then to 48°55.411'N 123°29.667'W Walker Rock then to 48°55.900'N 123°32.109'W Panther Point then following the northerly shoreline of Wallace Island to the beginning point. |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
- Date modified: