BC tidal area 18 Saltspring, Pender, Mayne and Saturna Islands, and Saanich Peninsula: Recreational fishing limits, openings and closures
You’re responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.
How to follow the rules
- Make sure you have a current BC Tidal Waters sport fishing licence with you at all times. Are you using using the FishingBC App for electronic licensing and catch recording? Learn more.
- Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
- Check the species regulations tables for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
- Check the restrictions tables for special exceptions and more detailed regulations. Make sure you know the:
- (d) Daily limit: The maximum number of a given fish species that a person is allowed to keep in one day.
- (p) Possession limit: The maximum number of fish you can have in your possession at any given time, except for what is at your ordinary residence.
- (a) Annual limit: The total amount of fish of a certain species that may be caught and retained during the course of a fishing year which starts on April 1 and ends the following March 31.
- Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
- Unless otherwise specified, fishing opportunities and closures end at 23:59 hrs on the close-date shown.
Related links
Area map
Area maps
For a written description of Areas please see the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations 2007.
Area 18: 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 on your paper licence, your NRLS catch log or the FishingBC app catch log.
- Learn more about fishing for salmon
Maps
- Management measures to protect Southern Resident killer whales
- Area 18 – Saltspring, Pender, Mayne and Saturna Islands, and Saanich Peninsula: Chinook salmon openings and other management measures
- Area 18, Saltspring, Pender, Mayne and Saturna Islands, and Saanich Peninsula: Coho salmon openings and other management measures
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon | 18-1 to 18-5,18-11 | 62cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/10 | Open (See Restrictions) |
| 18-6,18-7,18-10 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention until Oct 15 (See Restrictions) | ||
| 18-8 | -/-/- | Closed until Oct 15 | |||
| 18-9 | -/-/- | Closed until Nov 30 | |||
| Chum salmon | 18 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Coho salmon (hatchery) | 18 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/- | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) |
| Coho salmon (wild) | 18 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| Pink salmon | 18 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Sockeye salmon | 18 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2024-09-01 01:07:44
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Outer Cowichan Bay | Closed | |
| Cowichan Bay | Closed | ||
| Cowichan Bay and Satellite Channel dive closure | Closed | Finfish closure - Closed to angling and spear fishing while diving. | |
| 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. | |
| Southern Gulf Islands salmon closures | Closed | Commercial and Recreational Salmon Fishing Closures in the Southern Gulf Islands are in place from May 8 until Nov 30 2024, in Subarea 18-9, and those portions of 18-2, 18-4, and 18-5. Specific coordinates can be found in FN0425. For further information on the suite of Southern Resident Killer Whale mandatory and voluntary management measures, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/southern-resident-killer-whales | |
| SRKW Interim Sanctuary Zones | Closed | June 1 to Nov 30 2024: No vessels or fishing in the Interim Sanctuary Zones located in a portion of Subarea 18-4 and in portions of 18-5 and 18-11. Human-powered vessels (kayaks, canoes, etc.) may use a 20 m transit corridor along the shoreline. Specific coordinates can be found in FN0469. For further information on the suite of Southern Resident Killer Whale mandatory and voluntary management measures, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/southern-resident-killer-whales | |
| Chinook salmon | Coastwide | Reminder | Keeping your chinook salmon? 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. |
| 18 | Annual Limit Pieces | 10 - The coastwide total annual limit for chinook salmon is 10 from all tidal waters that are open to chinook retention. | |
| Fulford Harbour, Satellite Channel, Shute Passage, Sansum Narrows | Non Retention | Non retention of Chinook salmon from August 1 to October 15 inclusive. | |
| Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | 18 | Combined Daily Limit Pieces | 2 - In times and areas where there is some combination of hatchery marked and wild (unmarked) Coho retention, the daily limit is two (2) Coho per day unless otherwise specified. You cannot add together the hatchery marked and wild (unmarked) limits to exceed two (2) Coho per day. Please see the species regulations and restrictions for specific limits on hatchery marked and wild (unmarked) Coho. |
| Coho salmon (hatchery) | Coastwide | Reminder | Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. |
Last updated: 2024-09-01 00:52:52
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Cowichan Bay | That portion of Subarea 18-8 inside a line drawn from a square white fishing boundary sign at Separation Point to a square white fishing boundary sign at Wilcuma Wharf at Cowichan Bay. | |
| Cowichan Bay and Satellite Channel dive closure | Cowichan Bay and Satellite Channel. Those portions of Subareas 18-7 and 18-8 (Cowichan Bay and Satellite Channel) from the Hecate Boat ramp at approximately 48°44.518' N and 123°37.475' W and shoreward of 8 boundary markers located at approximately 48°44.569' N and 123°37.376' W, 48°44.540' N and 123°37.019' W, 48°44.523' N and 123°36.684' W, 48°44.344' N and 123°35.869' W, 48° 44.232' N and 123°35.387' W, 48°43.982' N and 123°34.798' W, 48°43.531' N and 123°33.961' W, and 48°43.258' N and 123°33.599' W. | |
| Fulford Harbour, Satellite Channel, Shute Passage, Sansum Narrows | Subareas 18-6, that portion of Subarea 18-7 that lies northerly of a line from a square white boundary sign on Vancouver Island, near 48°46.179'N and 123°34.654'W, to a square white boundary sign on Saltspring Island SE of Burial Islet, near 48°45.992'N and 123°33.777'W, and southerly of a line from a square white boundary sign on Saltspring Island approximately 1.5 nautical miles ESE of Musgrave Point, near 48°43.982'N and 123°31.418'W, to a square white boundary sign on Vancouver Island approximately 0.5 nautical miles NW of Cherry Point, near 48°43.197'N and 123°33.708'W, that portion of Subarea 18-8 that lies easterly of a line from a square white boundary sign at Wilcuma Wharf in Cowichan Bay, and Subarea 18-10 | |
| Outer Cowichan Bay | That portion of Subarea 18-7 that lies southerly of a line from a square white boundary sign on Vancouver Island, near 48°46.179'N and 123°34.654'W, to a square white boundary sign on Saltspring Island SE of Burial Islet, near 48°45.992'N and 123°33.777'W, and northerly of a line from a square white boundary sign on Saltspring Island approximately 1.5 nautical miles ESE of Musgrave Point, near 48°43.982'N and 123°31.418'W, to a square white boundary sign on Vancouver Island approximately 0.5 nautical miles NW of Cherry Point, near 48°43.197'N and 123°33.708'W; That portion of Subarea 18-8 that lies easterly of a line from a square white boundary sign at Separation Point to a square white boundary sign at Wilcuma Wharf in Cowichan Bay. | |
| Southern Gulf Islands salmon closures | Southern_Gulf_Islands_salmon_closures.png | Subarea 18-9, and those portions of 18-2, 18-4, and 18-5 inside a line drawn from Collinson Point on Galiano Island at 48°51.590' N 123°21.152' W, then easterly to 48°51.450' N 123° 20.722' W at Helen Point on Mayne Island, then southerly following the shoreline of Mayne Island to 48°50.010' N 123°19.675' W at Dinner Point, then southerly to 48°49.141' N 123°19.632' W at Stanley Point on North Pender Island, then southerly following the shoreline of North Pender Island to 48°44.199' N 123°13.893' W at Wallace Point, then easterly to 48°43.951' N 123°12.489' W at Tilly Point on South Pender Island, then easterly following the shoreline of South Pender Island to 48°44.697' N 123°10.467' W at Teece Point on South Pender Island, then northeasterly to 48°45.817' N 123°09.319' W at Murder Point on Saturna Island, then easterly following the shoreline of Saturna Island to 48°46.967' N 123°02.733' W near Saturna Island Sector Light, then southeasterly to a point in water at 48°46.934' N 123°02.665' W, then southwesterly to a point in water at 48°46.558' N 123°03.147' W, then southwesterly to a point in water intersecting with the international boundary with the United States of America at 48°44.866' N 123°04.638' W, then westerly to a point in water intersecting with the international boundary with the United States of America at 48°43.063' N 123°11.026' W, then southwesterly to a point in water intersecting with the international boundary with the United States of America at 48°41.640' N 123°16.073' W, then southerly to a point in water intersecting with the international boundary with the United States of America at 48°41.269' N 123°15.948' W, then westerly to 48°41.088' N 123°17.622' W at Arachne Reef Light, then northeasterly to a point in water approximately 1/2 nautical mile from the shoreline of Moresby Island at 48°42.753' N 123°16.439' W, then northwesterly to a point in water located approximately 1/2 nautical mile from the shoreline of Moresby Island at 48°44.563' N 123°18.529' W, then westerly to a point in water at 48°44.263' N 123°19.142' W, then northwesterly to 48°46.522' N 123°22.002' W at Beaver Point on Saltspring Island, then northerly to a point at 48°49.285' N 123°21.301' W on Prevost Island, then northerly following the shoreline of Prevost Island to 48°49.979' N 123°21.883' W near Porter Bight on Prevost Island, and then northeasterly in a straight line back to the point of commencement, except those portions of the Saturna and Pender Island Interim Sanctuary Zones. |
| SRKW Interim Sanctuary Zones | SRKW_Interim_Sanctuary_Zones.png | Saturna Island - Those portions of Subareas 18-5 and 18-11 off Saturna Island inside a line commencing on the shoreline of Saturna Island at 48°47.150’ north latitude and 123°02.733’ west longitude [North Boundary East Point], then northwesterly to a point in water at 48°47.367' north latitude and 123°02.915' west longitude [Thumbo Channel], thence northeasterly to a point in water at 48°47.617’ north latitude and 123°02.483’ west longitude [Northwest Corner (East of Thumbo Point)], thence southeasterly to a point in water at 48°47.473’ north latitude and 123°01.975 west longitude [Northeast Corner (Boiling Reef)], thence southwesterly to a point in water at 48°46.558’ north latitude and 123°03.147’ west longitude [Boundary Pass], thence southwesterly to a point in water at 48°46.333’ north latitude and 123°03.805’ west longitude [Southeast Corner], thence westerly to a point in water at 48°46.350’ north latitude and 123°05.150’ west longitude [Southwest Corner (Narvaez Bay)], thence due north to a point in water at 48°46.683’N and 123°05.150’W [Fiddler’s Cove], and thence northeasterly along the shoreline back to the point of commencement. [Saturna Island Interim Sanctuary Zone] Pender Island - That portion of Subarea 18-4 west of Pender Island inside a line commencing at a point at 48°44.167’N and 123°13.917’W [Southeast Boundary (Wallace Point)] westerly to a point in water located at 48°44.153’N and 123°15.517’W [Southwest Boundary (Swanson Channel)], thence northwesterly to a point in water at 48°45.817’N and 123°19.300’W [Northwest Boundary (Swanson Channel)], thence northeasterly to point at 48°46.217’N 123°18.867’W [Northeast Boundary (South of Thieves Bay)], and thence southeasterly back to the point of commencement. [Pender Island Interim Sanctuary Zone] |
Last updated: 2024-09-01 00:52:52
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 the 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
- Learn more about fishing for finfish
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herring | 18 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Eulachon | 18 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Mackerel | 18 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line | 100/200/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Northern anchovy | 18 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Other finfish species | 18 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Pacific sand lance | 18 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 5kg/10kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Pacific sardine | 18 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 100/200/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Surf smelt | 18 | Dip Net, Gill Net | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Tuna, Albacore | 18 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Tuna, All other species | 18 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Codfish | 18 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Greenling | 18 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Halibut | 18 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 2/2/10 | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| Lingcod | 18 | 65cm | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/10 | Open until Sep 30 (See Restrictions) |
| Perch | 18 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, All species combined | 18 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/- | Open until Sep 30 (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, Yelloweye | 18 | 0/0/0 | Non-retention until Sep 30 (See Restrictions) | ||
| Sablefish | 18 | Hook and Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sculpin | 18 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark, All other species excluding dogfish | 18 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark, Basking | 18 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Blue | 18 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Bluntnose | 18 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Brown Cat | 18 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Great White | 18 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Salmon | 18 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark, Sixgill | 18 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Tope | 18 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Skate | 18 | Hook and Line | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sole/Flounder | 18 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Spiny dogfish | 18 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sturgeon | 18 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Trout (hatchery) | 18 | 30cm | Hook and Line | 2/4/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Trout (wild) | 18 | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Wolf eel | 18 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2024-08-21 09:06:06
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Outer Cowichan Bay | Closed | |
| Cowichan Bay and Satellite Channel dive closure | Closed | Finfish closure - Closed to angling and spear fishing while diving. | |
| Cowichan Bay | Closed | ||
| Other Finfish | SRKW Interim Sanctuary Zones | Closed | June 1 to Nov 30 2024: No vessels or fishing in the Interim Sanctuary Zones located in a portion of Subarea 18-4 and in portions of 18-5 and 18-11. Human-powered vessels (kayaks, canoes, etc.) may use a 20 m transit corridor along the shoreline. Specific coordinates can be found in FN0469. For further information on the suite of Southern Resident Killer Whale mandatory and voluntary management measures, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/southern-resident-killer-whales |
| Herring | 18 | Reminder | Harvesting of herring roe from marine plants or plants placed in the water for the purpose of harvesting herring roe is prohibited. |
| Eulachon | Coastwide | Closed | Due to conservation concerns the harvesting of eulachon is prohibited. |
| Codfish | Coastwide | Reminder | Species includes: Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod. |
| Halibut | Coastwide | Reminder | As a Condition of Licence, the possession limit for halibut is EITHER of: one (1) halibut measuring 85 cm to 126 cm in length (65 cm to 97 cm head-off), OR two (2) halibut, each measuring under 85 cm in length (65 cm head-off). No person shall retain a halibut greater than 126 cm head-on length (97 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 | Maximum Length Head On (cm) | 126 cm - The maximum overall length for halibut is 126 cm head-on, or 97 cm head-off. | |
| Lingcod | Coastwide | Season Planning | For planning purposes only: for in-season requirements, please see current regulations/restrictions for specific areas, gear and individual species limits, and closures/exceptions. INSIDE WATERS - Generally open May 1 to September 30, for Areas 13 to 19 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48, 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5. Closed year round - Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17. OUTSIDE WATERS - Generally open April 1 to November 15, for Areas 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130, 142, 11, 21 to 27, 111, 123 to 127, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4, and Area 121 (portion). |
| 18 | Reminder | Lingcod: Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.) | |
| Perch | Coastwide | Reminder | Includes kelp, shiner and pile perch, and all species of surf and sea perch. |
| Rockfish, All species combined | 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. |
| 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. |
| 18 | Combined Daily Limit Pieces | 2 The aggregate recreational daily limit for wild and hatchery trout combined is two (2). |
Last updated: 2024-08-01 03:37:30
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Cowichan Bay | That portion of Subarea 18-8 inside a line drawn from a square white fishing boundary sign at Separation Point to a square white fishing boundary sign at Wilcuma Wharf at Cowichan Bay. | |
| Cowichan Bay and Satellite Channel dive closure | Cowichan Bay and Satellite Channel. Those portions of Subareas 18-7 and 18-8 (Cowichan Bay and Satellite Channel) from the Hecate Boat ramp at approximately 48°44.518' N and 123°37.475' W and shoreward of 8 boundary markers located at approximately 48°44.569' N and 123°37.376' W, 48°44.540' N and 123°37.019' W, 48°44.523' N and 123°36.684' W, 48°44.344' N and 123°35.869' W, 48° 44.232' N and 123°35.387' W, 48°43.982' N and 123°34.798' W, 48°43.531' N and 123°33.961' W, and 48°43.258' N and 123°33.599' W. | |
| Outer Cowichan Bay | That portion of Subarea 18-7 that lies southerly of a line from a square white boundary sign on Vancouver Island, near 48°46.179'N and 123°34.654'W, to a square white boundary sign on Saltspring Island SE of Burial Islet, near 48°45.992'N and 123°33.777'W, and northerly of a line from a square white boundary sign on Saltspring Island approximately 1.5 nautical miles ESE of Musgrave Point, near 48°43.982'N and 123°31.418'W, to a square white boundary sign on Vancouver Island approximately 0.5 nautical miles NW of Cherry Point, near 48°43.197'N and 123°33.708'W; That portion of Subarea 18-8 that lies easterly of a line from a square white boundary sign at Separation Point to a square white boundary sign at Wilcuma Wharf in Cowichan Bay. | |
| SRKW Interim Sanctuary Zones | SRKW_Interim_Sanctuary_Zones.png | Saturna Island - Those portions of Subareas 18-5 and 18-11 off Saturna Island inside a line commencing on the shoreline of Saturna Island at 48°47.150’ north latitude and 123°02.733’ west longitude [North Boundary East Point], then northwesterly to a point in water at 48°47.367' north latitude and 123°02.915' west longitude [Thumbo Channel], thence northeasterly to a point in water at 48°47.617’ north latitude and 123°02.483’ west longitude [Northwest Corner (East of Thumbo Point)], thence southeasterly to a point in water at 48°47.473’ north latitude and 123°01.975 west longitude [Northeast Corner (Boiling Reef)], thence southwesterly to a point in water at 48°46.558’ north latitude and 123°03.147’ west longitude [Boundary Pass], thence southwesterly to a point in water at 48°46.333’ north latitude and 123°03.805’ west longitude [Southeast Corner], thence westerly to a point in water at 48°46.350’ north latitude and 123°05.150’ west longitude [Southwest Corner (Narvaez Bay)], thence due north to a point in water at 48°46.683’N and 123°05.150’W [Fiddler’s Cove], and thence northeasterly along the shoreline back to the point of commencement. [Saturna Island Interim Sanctuary Zone] Pender Island - That portion of Subarea 18-4 west of Pender Island inside a line commencing at a point at 48°44.167’N and 123°13.917’W [Southeast Boundary (Wallace Point)] westerly to a point in water located at 48°44.153’N and 123°15.517’W [Southwest Boundary (Swanson Channel)], thence northwesterly to a point in water at 48°45.817’N and 123°19.300’W [Northwest Boundary (Swanson Channel)], thence northeasterly to point at 48°46.217’N 123°18.867’W [Northeast Boundary (South of Thieves Bay)], and thence southeasterly back to the point of commencement. [Pender Island Interim Sanctuary Zone] |
Last updated: 2024-08-01 03:37:30
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.
- If no contamination closures are in effect, check species regulations and additional harvest restrictions.
- 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) |
|---|---|---|
| 18-1 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 18-2 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 18-3 | Clam, Butter;Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Cockles;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific |
|
| 18-4 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 18-5 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 18-6 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 18-7 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 18-8 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 18-9 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 18-10 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 18-11 | Closed to All Bivalve Species |
Last updated: 2024-08-09 15:05:24
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clam, Butter | 18 | Hand Digging | 20/40/- |
| Clam, Horse | 18 | Hand Digging | 6/12/- |
| Clam, Littleneck | 18 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Clam, Manila | 18 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Clam, Razor | 18 | Hand Digging | 12/24/- |
| Clam, Softshell | 18 | Hand Digging | 25/50/- |
| Clam, Varnish | 18 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Clams, All | 18 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Cockles | 18 | Hand Digging | 25/50/- |
| Geoduck | 18 | Hand Digging, Hand Picking | 3/6/- |
| Mussel, Blue | 18 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
| Mussel, California | 18 | Hand Picking | 25/50/- |
| Oyster, Olympia | 18 | 0/0/0 | |
| Oyster, Pacific | 18 | Hand Picking | 12/24/- |
| Scallop, Pink and Spiny | 18 | Diving, Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
| Scallop, Rock | 18 | Diving, Hand Picking | 6/12/- |
| Scallop, Weathervane | 18 | Diving, Hand Picking | 6/12/- |
| Snail, Moon | 18 | Hand Picking | 2/4/- |
| Snail, Other | 18 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
Last updated: 2024-04-01 06:19:00
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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, All | Coastwide | Daily Limit Pieces | 60 - When open, all species aggregate daily limit combined Areas 1 to 27 is 60, except Pacific Rim National Park where the all species aggregate limit is 24. |
| 18 | Gear Restriction | It is illegal to use any mechanical apparatus or dredge for harvesting clams. | |
| Reminder | Clam harvesters are encouraged to fill in holes to reduce predation on exposed juvenile clams. | ||
| Mussels, All | 18 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for all mussel species is 75. |
| Oyster, Pacific | Coastwide | Reminder | To avoid inadvertently harvesting Olympia oysters while you are harvesting Pacific oysters, do not harvest any oyster less than 5 cm in diameter. |
| 18 | Packaging and Transporting | Avoid transfer of green crab - Harvesters are encouraged to shuck oysters on the beach and leave the shells there, or return oyster shells to the beach from where you collected them whenever possible. In order to avoid the transfer of European green crab, please dispose of any oyster shell harvested from the west coast of Vancouver Island back to the beach from where it came or with your household garbage. Consult your local DFO Office. You will need permission to harvest oysters from marked oyster farms. | |
| Snail, Moon | 18 | Reminder | Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details. |
Last updated: 2024-04-01 06:16:36
Area descriptions
| Closure | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| 18.1 Cowichan Bay, Genoa Bay, Boatswain Bank | 18.1.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Cowichan Bay, including Genoa Bay and Boatswain Bank, lying inside a line drawn from Separation Point to Hatch Point. [NAD83] |
| 18.10 Horton Bay, Mayne Island | 18.10.jpeg | "The waters and intertidal foreshore of Horton Bay, Mayne Island, inside a line drawn from Aitken Point at 48°49.85’ north latitude and 123°14.79’ west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point on land at 48°49.48’ north latitude and 123°14.53’ west longitude located east of the public dock. [NAD83] |
| 18.11 Village Bay, Mayne Island | 18.11.jpeg | The intertidal foreshore of Village Bay, Mayne Island, lying inside a line drawn from a point on land 125 m north of the ferry dock to Crane Point. [NAD83] |
| 18.13 Annette Inlet, Prevost Island | 18.13.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Annette Inlet, Prevost Island, lying inside a line drawn across the narrowest point at the west end of the inlet. [NAD83] |
| 18.14 Boot Cove, Saturna Island | 18.14.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Boot Cove, lying inside of a line from a point on land at 48°47.71' north latitude and 123°12.11' west longitude, thence northeasterly to a point on land at 48°47.72' north latitude and 123°12.03' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.15 Northeast Saanich Peninsula | 18.15.jpeg | The intertidal foreshore of Saanich Peninsula, lying between Curteis Point at 48°40.49' north latitude and 123°23.79' west longitude and Moses Point at 48°41.35' north latitude and 123°29.13' west longitude, which lies at the eastern boundary of the beach access road at the foot of Seabreeze Road. [NAD 83] |
| 18.16 Long Harbour, Saltspring Island | 18.16.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the head of Long Harbour, Saltspring Island, lying inside a line drawn from the north side at 48°51.82' north latitude and 123°27.91' west longitude to the opposite shore at 48°51.77' north latitude and 123°28.00' west longitude. [NAD 83]. |
| 18.17 - Madrona Bay, Saltspring Island | 18.17.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Madrona Bay, Saltspring Island, lying north of a line drawn from a point of land at 48°51.31' north latitude and 123°29.08' west longitude due east to a point of land at 48°51.31' north latitude and 123°28.75' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.18 Unnamed bays E of Fulford Harbour, Saltspring Is. | 18.18.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the three unnamed bays east of Fulford Harbour, Saltspring Island, lying inside a line drawn from the western headland at 48°45.45' north latitude and 123°24.85' west longitude thence due south to Louisa Rock, thence on a true bearing of 50° to the northeasterly headland at 48°45.50' north latitude and 123°24.45' west longitude. [NAD 83]. |
| 18.20 Selby Cove, Prevost Island | 18.20.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Selby Cove, Prevost Island, lying inside a line drawn across the entrance to the cove. [NAD83] |
| 18.21 Port Browning, North Pender Island | 18.21.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the head of Port Browning, North Pender Island, inside a line drawn from the public wharf on the northern shore of Port Browning at 48°46.70' north latitude and 123°15.95' west longitude, thence southwesterly to the edge of the rocky shoal at 48°46.30' north latitude and 123°16.35' west longitude. [NAD 27]. |
| 18.22 James Bay, Prevost Island | 18.22.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of James Bay, Prevost Island, from a point of land on the south shore at 48°50.43' north latitude and 123°23.85' west longitude, thence northeasterly to the north shore at 48°50.50' north latitude and 123°23.72' west longitude. [NAD 83]. |
| 18.23 1.4 km From Walker Spit, Ganges Hbr. Saltspring Is | 18.23.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore on the southern shore of Ganges Harbour, Saltspring Island, from an abandoned wharf at 48°49.78' north latitude and 123°27.65' west longitude, thence approximately 150 meters eastward to 48°49.75' north latitude and 123°27.53' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.24 Cusheon Creek, Saltspring island | 18.24.jpeg | The intertidal foreshore of Cusheon Creek , lying between a point on land northwesterly of Cusheon Creek at 48°48.51' north latitude and 123°25.44' west longitude, and a point on land southeasterly of Cusheon Creek at 48°48.17' north latitude and 123°25.15' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.26 Shark Cove | 18.26.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Shark Cove, inside of a line from a southerly point on land at 48°45.95' north latitude and 123°15.46' west longitude, thence northerly to a point on land near the end of Mortimer Spit at 48°46.02' north latitude and 123°15.48' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.28 Bedwell Harbour, North Pender Island | 18.28.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the head of Bedwell Bay, North Pender Island, lying inside of a line from a point of land at 48°45.76' north latitude and 123°15.62' west longitude thence southerly to a point of land at 48°45.46' north latitude and 123°15.90' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.29 Dinner Bay, Mayne Island | 18.29.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Dinner Bay lying east of a line drawn from a point of land on Mayne Island at 48°50.23' north latitude and 123°19.42' west longitude, thence southwest to a point on land on Mayne Island at 48°50.09' north latitude and 123°19.59' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.3 Fulford Harbour, Saltspring Island | 18.3.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Fulford Harbour, Saltspring Island, lying inside a line drawn in a due east-west direction through the quick-flashing red light on the southeast side of the harbour. [NAD83] |
| 18.30 Princess Bay, Portland Island | 18.30.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Princess Bay located inside a line drawn from a point of land on Portland Island at 48°43.05 north latitude and 123°22.26' west longitude, thence northeast to the southernmost point of the unnamed island located north of the Tortoise Islets at 48°43.08' north latitude and 123°22.08' west longitude, thence northeast to a point of land at 48°43.11' north latitude and 123°22.03' west longitude, thence following the shoreline to the easternmost point of the unnamed island at 48°43.15' north latitude and 123°22.02' west longitude, thence due north to the shore of Portland Island at 48°43.24' north latitude and 123°22.02' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.32 Stanley Point to Wallace Point, North Pender Island | 18.32.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore along the west side of North Pender Island inside a line drawn from a point on land at Stanley Point at 48°49.32' north latitude and 123°19.33' west longitude to Point Liddell, Prevost Island, at 48°48.56' north latitude and 123°21.89' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point in water at 48°45.75' north latitude and 123°19.98' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point in water at 48°43.08' north latitude and 123°15.10' west longitude, then northeasterly to Wallace Point at 48°44.18' north latitude and 123°13.88' west longitude, thence northwesterly following the shoreline of North Pender Island to the point of commencement. [NAD83] |
| 18.33 Burgoyne Bay, Saltspring Island | 18.33.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Burgoyne Bay lying inside a line drawn from a point on land at 48°47.66' north latitude and 123°31.31' west longitude southeasterly following the high water mark to a point on land at 48°47.46' north latitude and 123°31.08' west longitude, thence southwesterly to a point on land at 48°47.27' north latitude and 123°31.20' west longitude, thence northwesterly following the high water mark to a point on land at 48°47.37' north latitude and 123°31.63' west longitude, and thence northeasterly in a straight line to the point of commencement. [NAD 83] |
| 18.34 A portion of Narvaez Bay | 18.34.jpeg | A portion of Narvaez Bay - The waters and intertidal foreshore of the head of Narvaez Bay lying west of a line drawn from a point on land at 48°46.75' north latitude and 123°06.36' west longitude thence southwesterly to a point on land at 48°46.59' north latitude and 123°06.44' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.35 Head of the Bay, south of Reynard Point on northwest Moresby Island | 18.35.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the head of the bay south of Reynard Point on northwest Moresby Island lying east of a line drawn from a point of land at 48º43.82' north latitude and 123º19.86' west longitude thence southeasterly to a point of land at 48°43.61' north latitude and 123°19.63' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.36 - East side of Tumbo Island | 18.36.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the unnamed bay on the east side of Tumbo Island, lying west of a line drawn from Savage Point at 48°47.86' north latitude and 123°03.66' west longitude thence southeasterly to Tumbo Point at 48°47.63' north latitude and 123°03.08' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.37 Bennett Bay, Mayne Island | 18.37.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Bennett Bay, Mayne Island, inside a line drawn from a point on land at 48°50.64', north latitude and 123°15.00' west longitude, thence northeasterly to a point of land at 48°50.78' north latitude and 123°14.65' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.4 Ganges Harbour, Saltspring Island | 18.4.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Ganges Harbour, Saltspring Island, including Walter Bay lying inside a line drawn from the shore of Saltspring Island at 48°51.30 north latitude and 123°29.31' west longitude thence easterly to the west end of Goat Island at 48°51.17' north latitude and 123°29.00' west longitude and thence southerly to Rock Point at 48°50.40' north latitude and 123°28.40' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.7 Bedwell Harbour, South Pender Island | 18.7.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Bedwell Harbour, lying inside of a line drawn across the harbour from a point on land on the south-western shore of South Pender Island located at 48°45.24' north latitude and 123°14.48' west longitude thence south-easterly to a point on land at 48°44.70' north latitude 123°13.75' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.8 Hope Bay, North Pender Island | 18.8.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Hope Bay, north Pender Island, lying inside, that is south of, a line drawn from the land end of the government dock to Auchterlonie Point on the opposite side. [NAD83] |
| 18.9 Maple Bay | 18.9.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Maple Bay, lying inside a line drawn from a point on the west shore located at 48°49.06 north latitude and 123°36.30' west longitude, thence southeasterly to the eastern shore at 48°48.25' north latitude and 123°35.72' west longitude [NAD 83 ]. |
| 18.A Long Harbour, Saltspring Island | 18.A.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Long Harbour, Saltspring Island, east of the Shellfish Sanitary Closure 18.16 boundary to a line drawn across the narrows northwest of the B.C. Ferries dock, from the northern side of the narrows at 48°51.62' north latitude and 123°27.69' west longitude due south to the southern side of the narrows at 48°51.55' north latitude and 123°27.69' west longitude. [NAD27] |
| 18.B Reef Harbour, Tumbo Island | 18.B.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Reef Harbour, lying inside a line drawn from the northeastern tip of Tumbo Island at 48°47.90' north latitude and 123°04.45' west longitude to Cabbage Island thence along the northern shoreline of Cabbage Island to a point at 48°48.00' north latitude and 123°05.25' west longitude, and thence southward to a point on Tumbo Island at 48°47.75' north latitude and 123°05.25' west longitude. [NAD 27] |
| 18.C Hood Island | 18.C.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Princess Bay located inside a line drawn from the southernmost point of Portland Island at 48°43.04' north latitude and 123°22.52' west longitude, thence southeast to the southernmost point of Hood Island at 48°42.88' north latitude and 123°22.39' west longitude, thence following the shoreline to the easternmost point of Hood Island, thence northeast to the southernmost point on the unnamed island located north of the Tortoise Islets at 48°43.08' north latitude and 123°22.08' west longitude, thence southwest to a point of land on Portland Island at 48°43.05' north latitude and 123°22.26' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 18.D Winter Cove | 18.D.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Winter Cove, lying east of a line drawn from Mikuni Point at 48°48.66' north latitude and 123°12.21 west longitude thence true north to a point on land at 48°48.84 north latitude and 123°12.21 west longitude; and west of a line drawn from Winter Point at 48°48.83 north latitude and 123°11.33 west longitude northerly to Ralph Grey Point at 48°48.86 north latitude and 123°11.35 west longitude. [NAD 83] |
Last updated: 2024-08-09 15:05:24
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Last updated: 2024-04-01 06:16:36
Crab
Crab
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box and Puget Sound King crab | 18 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Dungeness crab | 18 | 165mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| King crab | 18 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Other crab | 18 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Red Rock crab | 18 | 115mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Shore crab | 18 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2024-08-30 11:18:14
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crab | Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Trap Identification - 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 | 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 | Crab, Prawn and Shrimp Floats - 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. 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 18 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 4. |
| 18 | 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. | |
| SRKW Interim Sanctuary Zones | Closed | June 1 to Nov 30 2024: No vessels or fishing in the Interim Sanctuary Zones located in a portion of Subarea 18-4 and in portions of 18-5 and 18-11. Human-powered vessels (kayaks, canoes, etc.) may use a 20 m transit corridor along the shoreline. Specific coordinates can be found in FN0469. For further information on the suite of Southern Resident Killer Whale mandatory and voluntary management measures, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/southern-resident-killer-whales | |
| Burgoyne Bay | Dioxin Contamination (g/w) | Consumption of crab hepatopancreas should not exceed 125g/week Consumption of crab hepatopancreas in Burgoyne Bay, Saltspring Island should not exceed 60 g/week; Maple Bay, 125 g/week. | |
| Maple Bay | Dioxin Contamination (g/w) | Consumption of crab hepatopancreas should not exceed 125g/week Consumption of crab hepatopancreas in Burgoyne Bay, Saltspring Island should not exceed 60 g/week; Maple Bay, 125 g/week. | |
| King crab | Coastwide | Sex Restriction | It is prohibited to possess female King crab |
| Coastwide | Packaging and Transporting | In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of King crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed. | |
| Dungeness crab | Coastwide | Packaging and Transporting | In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Dungeness crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed. |
| Sex Restriction | It is prohibited to possess female Dungeness crab | ||
| Red Rock crab | Coastwide | Packaging and Transporting | In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Red Rock crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed. |
| Sex Restriction | It is prohibited to possess female Red Rock crab |
Last updated: 2024-08-30 11:19:47
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Burgoyne Bay | Burgoyne Bay, Saltspring Island | |
| Maple Bay | Maple_Bay.png | Maple Bay |
| SRKW Interim Sanctuary Zones | SRKW_Interim_Sanctuary_Zones.png | Saturna Island - Those portions of Subareas 18-5 and 18-11 off Saturna Island inside a line commencing on the shoreline of Saturna Island at 48°47.150’ north latitude and 123°02.733’ west longitude [North Boundary East Point], then northwesterly to a point in water at 48°47.367' north latitude and 123°02.915' west longitude [Thumbo Channel], thence northeasterly to a point in water at 48°47.617’ north latitude and 123°02.483’ west longitude [Northwest Corner (East of Thumbo Point)], thence southeasterly to a point in water at 48°47.473’ north latitude and 123°01.975 west longitude [Northeast Corner (Boiling Reef)], thence southwesterly to a point in water at 48°46.558’ north latitude and 123°03.147’ west longitude [Boundary Pass], thence southwesterly to a point in water at 48°46.333’ north latitude and 123°03.805’ west longitude [Southeast Corner], thence westerly to a point in water at 48°46.350’ north latitude and 123°05.150’ west longitude [Southwest Corner (Narvaez Bay)], thence due north to a point in water at 48°46.683’N and 123°05.150’W [Fiddler’s Cove], and thence northeasterly along the shoreline back to the point of commencement. [Saturna Island Interim Sanctuary Zone] Pender Island - That portion of Subarea 18-4 west of Pender Island inside a line commencing at a point at 48°44.167’N and 123°13.917’W [Southeast Boundary (Wallace Point)] westerly to a point in water located at 48°44.153’N and 123°15.517’W [Southwest Boundary (Swanson Channel)], thence northwesterly to a point in water at 48°45.817’N and 123°19.300’W [Northwest Boundary (Swanson Channel)], thence northeasterly to point at 48°46.217’N 123°18.867’W [Northeast Boundary (South of Thieves Bay)], and thence southeasterly back to the point of commencement. [Pender Island Interim Sanctuary Zone] |
Last updated: 2024-08-30 11:19:47
Other invertebrates
Other invertebrates
- Basic information about shellfish harvesting
- Seasonal recreational harvesting closures for prawn and shrimp
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abalone | 18 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |
| Barnacles, Giant | 18 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Barnacles, Goose | 18 | Hand Picking | 2kg/4kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Limpet | 18 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Octopus | 18 | Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Other shellfish species | 18 | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sand Dollar | 18 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Sea Cucumber | 18 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Sea Urchin | 18 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Shrimp, Ghost | 18 | Hand Digging, Hand Pump | 50/100/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Shrimp/Prawn | 18 | Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) | 125/250/- | Open until Sep 16 (See Restrictions) |
| Squid, All other species | 18 | Cast Net, Jigging | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Squid, Opal | 18 | Cast Net, Jigging | 200/400/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Starfish sea star | 18 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2024-09-03 00:15:32
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other Invertebrates | Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Rot Cord - 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 | Gear Restriction | Trap Identification - 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. | |
| Reminder | Combined daily limit for all shrimp species, including prawn, is 125 | ||
| Other Invertebrates | Coastwide | Gear Restriction | 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. |
| SRKW Interim Sanctuary Zones | Closed | June 1 to Nov 30 2024: No vessels or fishing in the Interim Sanctuary Zones located in a portion of Subarea 18-4 and in portions of 18-5 and 18-11. Human-powered vessels (kayaks, canoes, etc.) may use a 20 m transit corridor along the shoreline. Specific coordinates can be found in FN0469. For further information on the suite of Southern Resident Killer Whale mandatory and voluntary management measures, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/southern-resident-killer-whales | |
| Octopus | Coastwide | Gear Restriction | The use of sharp pointed instruments or chemicals is prohibited. |
| Shrimp/Prawn | Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Maximum 4 traps or ring nets or combination of these per fisher. |
| Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Crab, Prawn and Shrimp Floats - 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. 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 | 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: 2024-08-30 11:26:25
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| SRKW Interim Sanctuary Zones | SRKW_Interim_Sanctuary_Zones.png | Saturna Island - Those portions of Subareas 18-5 and 18-11 off Saturna Island inside a line commencing on the shoreline of Saturna Island at 48°47.150’ north latitude and 123°02.733’ west longitude [North Boundary East Point], then northwesterly to a point in water at 48°47.367' north latitude and 123°02.915' west longitude [Thumbo Channel], thence northeasterly to a point in water at 48°47.617’ north latitude and 123°02.483’ west longitude [Northwest Corner (East of Thumbo Point)], thence southeasterly to a point in water at 48°47.473’ north latitude and 123°01.975 west longitude [Northeast Corner (Boiling Reef)], thence southwesterly to a point in water at 48°46.558’ north latitude and 123°03.147’ west longitude [Boundary Pass], thence southwesterly to a point in water at 48°46.333’ north latitude and 123°03.805’ west longitude [Southeast Corner], thence westerly to a point in water at 48°46.350’ north latitude and 123°05.150’ west longitude [Southwest Corner (Narvaez Bay)], thence due north to a point in water at 48°46.683’N and 123°05.150’W [Fiddler’s Cove], and thence northeasterly along the shoreline back to the point of commencement. [Saturna Island Interim Sanctuary Zone] Pender Island - That portion of Subarea 18-4 west of Pender Island inside a line commencing at a point at 48°44.167’N and 123°13.917’W [Southeast Boundary (Wallace Point)] westerly to a point in water located at 48°44.153’N and 123°15.517’W [Southwest Boundary (Swanson Channel)], thence northwesterly to a point in water at 48°45.817’N and 123°19.300’W [Northwest Boundary (Swanson Channel)], thence northeasterly to point at 48°46.217’N 123°18.867’W [Northeast Boundary (South of Thieves Bay)], and thence southeasterly back to the point of commencement. [Pender Island Interim Sanctuary Zone] |
Last updated: 2024-08-30 11:26:25
Protected areas
Protected areas
Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:
| Area | Type | Closure name |
|---|---|---|
| 18-1 | Glass Sponge Reef | Outer Gulf Islands 1 |
| Outer Gulf Islands 2 | ||
| Outer Gulf Islands 3 | ||
| Outer Gulf Islands 4 | ||
| Rockfish Conservation Area | Bell Chain Islets | |
| Mayne Island North | ||
| 18-2 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Prevost Island North |
| 18-3 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Prevost Island North |
| 18-4 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Bedwell Harbour |
| 18-5 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Navy Channel |
| South Saturna | ||
| 18-6 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Brethour, Domville, Forrest, Gooch Islands |
| Coal Island | ||
| Portland Island | ||
| 18-7 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Burgoyne Bay |
| Maple Bay | ||
| Patey Rock | ||
| 18-10 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Russell Island |
| 18-11 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Bell Chain Islets |
Last updated: 2024-01-15 10:10:37
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Bedwell Harbour | Bedwell_Harbour.png | In Subarea 18-4 that portion of Bedwell Harbour that lies northerly of a line: from 48°44.200'N 123°13.900'W Wallace Point to 48°43.950'N 123°12.483'W Tilly Point and southeasterly of a line: from 48°45.250'N 123°14.500'W South Pender Island to 48°44.900'N 123°14.750'W North Pender Island |
| Bell Chain Islets | Bell_Chain_Islets.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 18-11 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°51.309'N 123°14.775'W Edith Point then to 48°49.500'N 123°09.200'W in water then to 48°48.433'N 123°10.000'W Saturna Island then following the northerly shoreline of Saturna Island to 48°48.827'N 123°11.333'W Winter Point then to 48°48.863'N 123°11.351'W Ralph Grey Point then following the northerly shoreline of Samuel Island to 48°50.000'N 123°14.000'W Grainger Point then to 48°50.797'N 123°14.636'W Campbell Point then to the beginning point. |
| Brethour, Domville, Forrest, Gooch Islands | Brethour,_Domville,_Forrest,_Gooch_Islands.png | Those waters of Subareas 18-6 and 19-5 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°41.650'N 123°19.978'W Imrie Island then to 48°41.088'N 123°17.622'W Arachne Reef Light then following the boundary line between Subarea 18-6 and 19-5 to the intersection with the International Boundary between the United States and Canada, then following the International Boundary in a southerly direction to the intersection with the parallel passing through 48°39.800' north latitude, then to 48°39.738'N 123°16.551'W Tom Point then to 48°38.989'N 123°18.081'W South Cod Reef Buoy then to 48°39.400'N 123°19.645'W Forrest Island then following the northerly shoreline of Forrest Island to 48°39.963'N 123°20.467'W Forrest Island then to 48°40.865'N 123°20.410'W Greig Island Daybeacon then to the beginning point. |
| Burgoyne Bay | Those waters of Subarea 18-7 that lie easterly of a line: from 48°47.263'N 123°33.243'W Bold Bluff Point to 48°48.417'N 123°32.813'W shoreline | |
| Coal Island | Coal_Island.png | Those waters of Subareas 18-6 and 19-5 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°41.278'N 123°24.124'W Swartz Head then to 48°41.474'N 123°23.289'W Fir Cone Point Light then following the westerly shoreline of Coal Island to 48°40.753'N 123°22.626'W west of Kamai Point then to 48°40.232'N 123°22.669'W Little Shell Island then to 48°40.047'N 123°23.859'W Armstrong Point then westerly following the shoreline to 48°40.179'N 123°24.273'W Tsehum Harbour Breakwater then to 48°40.478'N 123°23.804'W Curteis Point then northerly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Maple Bay | Maple_Bay.png | Those waters of Maple Bay in Subarea 18-7 that lie westerly of a line: from 48°49.314'N 123°35.195'W Arbutus Point to 48°48.504'N 123°35.333'W Paddy Mile Stone |
| Mayne Island North | Mayne_Island_North.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°53.163'N 123°19.250'W Cain Point then true north to 48°53.259'N 123°19.250'W Gossip Island then following the easterly shoreline of Gossip Island to 48°53.671'N 123°19.367'W Gossip Island then to 48°53.950'N 123°19.100'W in water then to 48°52.300'N 123°15.200'W in water then true south to 48°51.550'N 123°15.200'W Mayne Island, near Edith Point then northwesterly following the Mayne Island shoreline to 48°52.398'N 123°17.487'W Active Pass Light then to 48°53.099'N 123°18.362'W Gossip Shoals Light and Bell Buoy U47 then to 48°52.778'N 123°18.724'W Rip Point then northwesterly following the shoreline of Galiano Island to the beginning point. |
| Navy Channel | Navy_Channel.png | That portion of Subarea 18-5 that lies easterly of a line: from 48°50.000'N 123°19.678'W Dinner Point to 48°49.141'N 123°19.632'W Stanley Point and northwesterly of a line: from 48°48.900'N 123°13.933'W west of St. John Point to 48°48.200'N 123°16.554'W north shore of Hope Bay |
| Outer Gulf Islands 1 | Outer_Gulf_Islands_1.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°54.936'N 123°19.589'W then southerly to 48°54.283'N 123°18.529'W then to 48°54.114'N 123°18.619'W then to 48°54.065'N 123°18.771'W then to 48°54.787'N 123°19.929'W then to 48°54.902'N 123°19.793'W then to the beginning point. |
| Outer Gulf Islands 2 | Outer_Gulf_Islands_2.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°52.588'N 123°15.261'W then easterly to 48°52.520'N 123°14.537'W then to 48°51.971'N 123°13.768'W then to 48°51.795'N 123°13.947'W then to 48°52.150'N 123°14.444'W then to 48°52.038'N 123°14.678'W then to 48°52.479'N 123°15.521'W then to the beginning point. |
| Outer Gulf Islands 3 | Outer_Gulf_Islands_3.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°51.602'N 123°13.233'W then southerly to 48°51.309'N 123°12.751'W then to 48°50.913'N 123°12.938'W then to 48°50.844'N 123°13.059'W then to 48°51.163'N 123°13.662'W then to 48°51.579'N 123°13.378'W then to the beginning point. |
| Outer Gulf Islands 4 | Outer_Gulf_Islands_4.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°50.999'N 123°12.391'W then southerly to 48°50.608'N 123°11.603'W then to 48°50.097'N 123°10.956'W then to 48°49.959'N 123°11.182'W then to 48°50.857'N 123°12.654'W then to 48°50.959'N 123°12.566'W then to the beginning point. |
| Patey Rock | Patey_Rock.png | Those waters of Subarea 18-7 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°42.250'N 123°31.500'W in water then true east to 48°42.250'N 123°30.500'W in water then true south to 48°41.850'N 123°30.500'W in water then true west to 48°41.850'N 123°31.500'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Portland Island | Portland_Island.png | That portion of Subarea 18-6 that lies inside a line that: begins at 48°44.100'N 123°22.200'W northern tip of Portland Island then to 48°44.012'N 123°20.404'W Canoe Rock Light then to 48°43.339'N 123°21.045'W Pellow Islets Light Buoy U15 then to 48°42.639'N 123°22.962'W Celia Reef Light Buoy U14 then to 48°43.559'N 123°23.215'W Kanaka Bluff Light then following the northwesterly shoreline of Portland Island 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. |
| Russell Island | Russell_Island.png | Those waters of Subarea 18-10 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°45.220'N 123°23.222'W Eleanor Point then to 48°44.565'N 123°24.558'W Cecil Rock then to 48°45.308'N 123°25.583'W near Jackson Rock then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| South Saturna | South_Saturna.png | That portion of Subarea 18-5 that lies inside a line that: begins at 48°46.842'N 123°04.846'W near Fiddlers Cove then to 48°44.750'N 123°05.000'W in water then to 48°43.462'N 123°09.600'W in water then to 48°44.139'N 123°11.029'W Gowlland Point Light then following the northerly shoreline of South Pender Island to 48°45.330'N 123°12.200'W north of Little Bay then to 48°46.473'N 123°12.154'W Croker Point Light then following the southerly shoreline of Saturna Island to the beginning point. |
Last updated: 2024-01-15 10:10:37
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