Area 17 (Nanaimo)

Area map

Area maps

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.

Management area 17
Salmon

Salmon

You're responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.

How to follow the rules
  1. Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
  2. Check the Species regulations table for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
  3. Check the Restrictions table for special exceptions and more detailed regulations.
  4. Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
  5. Unless otherwise specified, fishing opportunities end at 23:59 hrs on the close-date shown.

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min Size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Chinook Salmon 17 62cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/10 Open (See Restrictions)
Chum Salmon 17 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Coho Salmon (Hatchery) 17 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Coho Salmon (Wild) 17 Barbless Hook & Line 0/0/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Pink Salmon 17 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sockeye Salmon 17 Barbless Hook & Line 0/0/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)


2020-10-26 00:33:49

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure Type Measure Value
Finfish 17-12,17-18 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://navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structure-marpac-nanoose-practices-procedures.page. Fishers are reminded to exercise caution while obeying navigational and use requirements in the harbour and vicinity.
Cedar Bridge Closed Closed to the harvest of finfish from October 25 to November 30 each year.
Chemainus River Closed
Salmon Coastwide Combined Daily Limit Pieces 4 - The daily limit for all species of Pacific salmon from tidal and fresh waters combined is 4. Individual species limits also apply.
Coastwide Possession Limit Pieces 8 - The possession limit for all salmon from all waters is twice the daily limit. You cannot possess more than eight salmon in total, except for salmon that are at your ordinary residence.
Chinook Salmon Coastwide 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 on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence.
Coho Salmon (Hatchery) Coastwide Reminder Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin.

Area Descriptions

Area Map Area Description
Cedar Bridge In Subarea 17-14, that portion of the Nanaimo River from the Cedar Bridge to the white square boundary signs approximately 400 m downstream of the Cedar Bridge.
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.


2020-10-26 00:33:52

Other finfish

Other finfish

You're responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.

How to follow the rules
  1. Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
  2. Check the Species regulations table for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
  3. Check the Restrictions table for special exceptions and more detailed regulations.
  4. Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
  5. Unless otherwise specified, fishing opportunities end at 23:59 hrs on the close-date shown.

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min Size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Herring 17 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Albacore Tuna 17 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Eulachon 17 0/0/0 Closed
Mackerel 17 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line 100/200/- Open (See Restrictions)
Northern Anchovy 17 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other Finfish species 17 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Pacific Sand Lance 17 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 5kg/10kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Pacific Sardine 17 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 100/200/- Open (See Restrictions)
Surf Smelt 17 Dip Net, Gill Net 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Tuna, All other species 17 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
All other shark species 17 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Bocaccio Rockfish 17 0/0/0 Closed
Codfish 17 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Greenling 17 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 3/6/- Open (See Restrictions)
Halibut 17 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 2/-/6 Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Lingcod 17 0/0/0 Closed
Perch 17 Hook and Line 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Rockfish, All Species Combined 17 0/0/0 Closed
Sablefish 17 Hook and Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Salmon Shark 17 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sculpin 17 Hook and Line 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shark including Basking, Tope, Bluntnose, Sixgill, Blue, Brown Cat and Great White 17 0/0/0 Closed
Skate 17 Hook and Line 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sole/Flounder 17 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Spiny Dogfish 17 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sturgeon 17 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Trout (Hatchery) 17 30cm Hook and Line 2/4/- Open (See Restrictions)
Trout (Wild) 17 0/0/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Wolf Eel 17 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Yelloweye Rockfish 17 0/0/0 Closed


2020-10-26 00:33:54

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure Type Measure Value
Finfish 17-12,17-18 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://navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structure-marpac-nanoose-practices-procedures.page. Fishers are reminded to exercise caution while obeying navigational and use requirements in the harbour and vicinity.
Cedar Bridge Closed Closed to the harvest of finfish from October 25 to November 30 each year.
Chemainus River Closed
Herring 17 Reminder Harvesting of herring roe from marine plants or plants placed in the water for the purpose of harvesting herring roe is prohibited.
Groundfish North of Winchelsea Islands Gear Restriction No anchorage and no trap or bottom contact fishing area:
Codfish 17 Reminder Species includes: Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod.
Halibut Coastwide Season Planning The recreational halibut fishery continues on April 1 2020, under the 2020/2021 sport fishing conditions of licence, and is expected to close on December 31 2020. Please refer to fishery notice FN0156 and FN0818 for more details. Non-residents of Canada wishing to fish and retain halibut in Areas 121, 23 and 123, must obtain their licence from a licence vendor in Canada - view: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/iap-fai-eng.html
Coastwide Possession Limit Pieces 1 or 2. The possession limit for halibut is either of: one (1) halibut measuring 90 cm to 126 cm in length (69 cm to 97 cm head-off), OR two (2) halibut, each measuring under 90 cm in length (69 cm head-off).
Coastwide Annual Limit Pieces 6 - The annual limit is six (6) halibut per licence holder per licence year, as set out on the BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. All halibut retained by the licence holder shall be immediately recorded on the BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence.
Coastwide Daily Limit Pieces 2 The daily and possession limit for halibut is either of: - One (1) halibut measuring 90 cm to 126 cm in length (69 cm to 97 cm head-off), OR - Two (2) halibut, each measuring under 90 cm in length (69 cm head-off). The maximum length for halibut is 126 cm (97 cm head-off). Note: 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.
17 Maximum Length Head On (cm) 126 cm
Lingcod Coastwide Season Planning See Rockfish Season Planning
17 Reminder Lingcod: Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.)
Perch 17 Reminder Includes kelp, shiner and pile perch, and all species of surf and sea perch
Rockfish, All Species Combined Coastwide Season Planning Note - For planning purposes only - for in-season requirements, please see current regulations/restrictions for specific areas, gear and individual species limits, and closures/exceptions. INSIDE WATERS - Generally open May 1 to September 30, for Areas 13 to 19 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48, 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5. Closed year round - Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17. OUTSIDE WATERS - Generally Open April 1 to November 15, for Areas 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130, 142, 11, 21 to 27, 111, 123 to 127, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4, and Area 121 (portion).
Coastwide Reminder Rockfish - Anglers in vessels shall immediately return all rockfish that are not being retained to the water and to a similar depth from which they were caught by use of an inverted weighted barbless hook or other purpose-built descender device
Trout (Hatchery & 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.
17 Combined Daily Limit Pieces 2 The aggregate recreational daily limit for wild and hatchery trout combined is two (2).

Area Descriptions

Area Map Area Description
Cedar Bridge In Subarea 17-14, that portion of the Nanaimo River from the Cedar Bridge to the white square boundary signs approximately 400 m downstream of the Cedar Bridge.
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.
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


2020-10-26 00:33:50

Bivalve shellfish

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 and snails

Bivalve shellfish have 2 hinged shells. Because they feed by filtering microscopic plankton from the water, changes in water quality can cause unsafe marine biotoxins, bacteria, or viruses to build up in their tissue. Snails can also accumulate toxins and pollutants.

Is it safe to harvest bivalve shellfish now in this location?
  1. Check for contamination in the subarea where you plan to harvest.
  2. If no contamination closures are in effect, check species regulations and additional harvest restrictions.

Questions? Contact us:
250-756-7192
DFO.PAC.CSSP-PCAM.PAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Bivalve shellfish contamination

Subarea Marine biotoxin update (open bivalve species) Sanitary contamination closures (closed to shellfish harvesting)
17-1 Closed to All Bivalve Species
17-2 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-3 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-4 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-5 Butter Clam;Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-6
  • 17-6.A: Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
  • 17-6.B: Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-7 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-8 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-9 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-10 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-11 Closed to All Bivalve Species
17-12 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-13 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-14 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-15 Closed to All Bivalve Species
17-16 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-17 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-18 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-19 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters
17-20 Littleneck Clam;Manila Clam;Mussels;Oysters;Other Scallop;Pacific Scallop;Pink Scallop;Spiny Scallop
17-21 Closed to All Bivalve Species


2020-10-23 15:35:42

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Blue Mussel 17 Hand Picking 75/150/-
Butter Clam 17 Hand Digging 20/40/-
California Mussel 17 Hand Picking 25/50/-
Clams 17 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Cockles 17 Hand Digging 25/50/-
Geoduck 17 Hand Digging, Hand Picking 3/6/-
Horse Clam 17 Hand Digging 6/12/-
Littleneck Clam 17 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Manila Clam 17 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Moon Snail 17 Hand Picking 2/4/-
Olympia Oyster 17 0/0/0
Other Snail 17 Hand Picking 75/150/-
Pacific Oyster 17 Hand Picking 12/24/-
Pink And Spiny Scallop 17 Diving, Hand Picking 75/150/-
Razor Clam 17 Hand Digging 12/24/-
Rock Scallop 17 Diving, Hand Picking 6/12/-
Softshell Clam 17 Hand Digging 25/50/-
Varnish Clam 17 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Weathervane Scallop 17 Diving, Hand Picking 6/12/-


2020-09-25 11:00:37

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure Type Measure Value
Shellfish 17-12,17-18 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://navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structure-marpac-nanoose-practices-procedures.page. Fishers are reminded to exercise caution while obeying navigational and use requirements in the harbour and vicinity.
Bivalve Species 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.
Clams Coastwide Daily Limit Pieces 60
17 Gear Restriction It is illegal to use any mechanical apparatus or dredge for harvesting clams.
Reminder Clam harvesters are encouraged to fill in holes to reduce predation on exposed juvenile clams.
Mussels 17 Reminder Combined daily limit for all mussel species is 75.
Pacific Oyster 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.
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.
Moon Snail 17 Reminder Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details.


2020-09-25 11:01:03

Crab

Crab

You're responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.

How to follow the rules
  1. Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
  2. Check the Species regulations table for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
  3. Check the Restrictions table for special exceptions and more detailed regulations.
  4. Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min Size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Box And Puget Sound King Crab 17 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Dungeness Crab 17 165mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
17 165mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
King Crab 17 0/0/0 Closed
Other Crab 17 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
17 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Red Rock Crab 17 115mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shore Crab 17 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 75/150/- Open (See Restrictions)


2020-09-25 11:00:41

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure Type Measure Value
Shellfish 17-12,17-18 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://navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structure-marpac-nanoose-practices-procedures.page. Fishers are reminded to exercise caution while obeying navigational and use requirements in the harbour and vicinity.
Crab Coastwide Gear Restriction Crab traps are required to have two unobstructed circular escape holes or rings, measuring a minimum of 105 mm in diameter
Coastwide Gear Restriction Rot Cord - All crab traps must have a section in the top or sidewall that has been secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 (approximately 5 mm or 3/16 inch diameter). This twine is often referred to as rot cord. On deterioration this must produce a rectangular opening with a minimum size of 7 cm x 20 cm, or a square opening with a minimum size of 11 cm x 11 cm. This regulation is intended to ensure that if the trap is lost, the section secured by the cord will rot, allowing captive crabs to escape, and preventing the trap from continuing to fish. On traps with a rigid frame and a freely opening hinged lid the trap lid must be secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 so that the trap lid will open freely when the rot cord is broken. No other fastenings may impede the hinged lid of the trap from opening.
Coastwide Gear Restriction Gear Permitted Maximum of 2 ring nets, dip nets or traps or combination of these per fisher. Ensure gear is properly marked. Hand picking is permitted including by diving. No sharp-pointed instruments are permitted for harvesting crab. It is illegal to use snares in catching or attempting to catch crabs.
Reminder Keep navigation channels clear of buoys and lines. Any fishing gear that interferes with safe navigation can be removed under the Navigation Protection Act.
Crab 17 Reminder Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 4.
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.
North of Winchelsea Islands Gear Restriction No anchorage and no trap or bottom contact fishing area:
Nanaimo (Harmac) Dioxin Contamination (g/w) Consumption of crab hepatopancreas should not exceed 105g/week
Crofton Dioxin Contamination (g/w) Consumption of crab hepatopancreas should not exceed 40g/week
Dungeness Crab Coastwide Packaging and Transporting In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Dungeness crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed.
Sex Restriction It is prohibited to possess female Dungeness crab
Red Rock Crab Coastwide Packaging and Transporting In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Red Rock crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed.
Sex Restriction It is prohibited to possess female Red Rock crab

Area Descriptions

Area Map Area Description
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


2020-09-25 11:01:04

Other invertebrates

Other invertebrates

You're responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.

How to follow the rules
  1. Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
  2. Check the Species regulations table for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
  3. Check the Restrictions table for special exceptions and more detailed regulations.
  4. Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
  5. Unless otherwise specified, fishing opportunities end at 23:59 hrs on the close-date shown.

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Abalone 17 0/0/0 Closed
Ghost Shrimp 17 Hand Digging, Hand Pump 50/100/- Open (See Restrictions)
Giant Barnacles 17 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
Goose Barnacles 17 Hand Picking 2kg/4kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Limpet 17 Hand Picking 75/150/- Open (See Restrictions)
Octopus 17 Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Opal Squid 17 Cast Net, Jigging 200/400/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other Shellfish species 17 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sand Dollar 17 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sea Cucumber 17 Diving, Hand Picking 12/24/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sea Urchin 17 Diving, Hand Picking 12/24/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shrimp/Prawn 17-1 to 17-4,17-8,17-10 to 17-21 Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) 125/250/- Open (See Restrictions)
17-5,17-6,17-9 Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) 125/250/- Open until Nov 01 (See Restrictions)
Squid, All other species 17 Cast Net, Jigging 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Starfish Sea Star 17 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)


2020-10-16 00:40:26

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure Type Measure Value
Shellfish 17-12,17-18 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://navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structure-marpac-nanoose-practices-procedures.page. Fishers are reminded to exercise caution while obeying navigational and use requirements in the harbour and vicinity.
Other Invertebrates North of Winchelsea Islands Gear Restriction No anchorage and no trap or bottom contact fishing area:
Shrimp/Prawn Coastwide Gear Restriction Floats - Traps must be marked with floating tag or buoy that has your name on it. This includes traps tied to a boat or dock or fished from shore. If two traps are attached to one ground-line, it is sufficient to attach a tag, float or buoy that bears the operator's name to one end of the ground-line.
Reminder Combined daily limit for all shrimp species, including prawn, is 125
Shrimp/Prawn Coastwide Gear Restriction Maximum 4 traps or ring nets or combination of these per fisher.
Coastwide Reminder Prawns 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.
17-5,17-6,17-9 Season Planning Pulse fishing - For more details on periodic or 'pulse fishing' closures in affected areas - Stuart Channel, Saanich Inlet, Alberni Inlet, as well as protected areas, please review fisheries notice FN0859 at https://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm?pg=view_notice&DOC_ID=236444&ID=all. Note that the general 3-month winter closure from January 1st to March 31st protects large, mature egg-bearing female prawns as their eggs prepare to hatch and allows the prawn spawning cycle to complete.

Area Descriptions

Area Map Area Description
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


2020-09-25 11:01:04

Protected areas

Protected areas

Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:

Area Type Closure Name
17-1 Rockfish Conservation Area Prevost Island North
17-2 Rockfish Conservation Area Saltspring Island North
Trincomali Channel
17-4 Rockfish Conservation Area Danger Reefs
Ruxton - Pylades Islands
Thetis - Kuper Islands
17-5 Rockfish Conservation Area Coffin Point
Thetis - Kuper Islands
17-6 Rockfish Conservation Area Saltspring Island North
Thetis - Kuper Islands
17-10 Rockfish Conservation Area Gabriola Passage
17-11 Glass Sponge Reef Gabriola Island
Rockfish Conservation Area Ballenas Island
Lasqueti South - Young Point
17-12 Rockfish Conservation Area Ballenas Island
Departure Bay
Nanoose - Schooner Cove
Northumberland Channel
17-13 Rockfish Conservation Area Departure Bay
Northumberland Channel
17-14 Rockfish Conservation Area Reynolds Point - Link Island
17-15 Rockfish Conservation Area Northumberland Channel
17-16 Rockfish Conservation Area Northumberland Channel
Reynolds Point - Link Island
17-17 Rockfish Conservation Area De Courcy Island North
Gabriola Passage
Ruxton - Pylades Islands
17-18 Rockfish Conservation Area Nanoose - Schooner Cove
17-19 Rockfish Conservation Area Nanoose - Schooner Cove

Area Descriptions

Area Map Area Description
Ballenas Island Ballenas_Island.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.jpeg 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.png 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.


2020-03-20 17:18:27