BC tidal areas 23 and 123 - Bamfield, Port Alberni and Ucluelet: Recreational fishing limits, openings and closures
Licence holders must follow fishing regulations unless otherwise specified in the Conditions of Licence.
How to follow the rules
- Make sure you have a current BC Tidal Waters sport fishing licence with you at all times. Are you using the FishingBC App for electronic licensing and catch recording? Learn more.
- Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
- Check the species regulations tables for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
- Check the restrictions tables for special exceptions and more detailed regulations. Make sure you know the:
- (d) Daily limit: The maximum number of a given fish species that a person is allowed to keep in one day.
- (p) Daily possession limit: The maximum number of fish you can have in your possession at any given time, except for what is at your ordinary residence. The possession limit for most species is double the daily limit.
- (a) Annual limit: The total amount of fish of a certain species that may be caught and retained during the course of a fishing year which starts on April 1 and ends the following March 31. Check "Restrictions" under each section for annual limits by species.
- Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
- Unless otherwise specified, fishing opportunities and closures end at 23:59 hrs on the close-date shown.
Related links
Area map
Area maps
This map is for information only and should not be used for fishing, navigation or other purposes.
For a written description of Areas please see the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations 2007.
Area 23: Download a printable PDF version of this map.
Area 123: Download a printable PDF version of this map.
Click thumbnail to enlarge image.
Salmon
Salmon
- You must have a valid a salmon conservation stamp on your BC Tidal Waters sport fishing licence if you plan to retain salmon.
- You must immediately and permanently record all retained chinook salmon on your paper licence, your NRLS catch log or your NRLS-linked FishingBC app catch log.
- Learn more about fishing for salmon
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | 23,123 | 45cm | barbless hook and line | 2 | Open |
| Chum salmon | 23,123 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 0 | Non Retention |
| Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | 23,123 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 0 | Non Retention |
| Pink salmon | 23 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 0 | Non Retention |
| 123 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 4 | Open | |
| Sockeye salmon | 23 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 4 | Open |
| 123 | 30cm | barbless hook and line | 0 | Non Retention |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Paper Mill Dam Pool Closure | Closed | (May 1 to Sep 30) |
| Tidal Portion of Somass River and Portion of Alberni Harbour | Closed | From 22:00 h until 05:00 h only - (year round ) | |
| Salmon | Tidal Portion of Somass River and Portion of Alberni Harbour | Gear Restriction | You are not allowed to harvest using the following gears and methods:
|
| Coastwide | Daily Limit Pieces | 4 - The daily limit for all species of Pacific salmon from tidal and fresh waters combined is four. Individual species limits also apply. | |
| 23,123 | Gear Restriction | You are not allowed to harvest using the following gears and methods:
|
|
| Coastwide | Reminder | Hatchery (marked) salmon - Chinook and coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. | |
| Chinook salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | Seaward Portions Areas 123 to 127 | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 |
| Coastwide | Annual Limit Pieces | 10 - The coastwide total annual limit for chinook salmon is 10 from all tidal waters that are open to chinook retention. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Keeping your chinook salmon? You must permanently record all retained catch (head-on length) on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. The licence holder may alternatively record retained catch immediately in an electronic licence held in an approved third-party application linked to their National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) account, or if mobile internet access is immediately available, directly in their NRLS account. The licence holder shall ensure that all mandatory catch records for the current licence year are produced, either on the licence (paper or electronic), or from the licence holder's NRLS account at the time of inspection. | |
| Sockeye salmon | Tidal Portion of Somass River and Portion of Alberni Harbour | Daily Limit Pieces | 2 |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Paper Mill Dam Pool Closure | That portion of Subarea 23-1 in the tidal portion of the Somass River located near the bottom of the rapids directly upstream of Paper Mill Dam Pool, downstream approximately 225 m to near the top end of the vegetated portion of the unnamed island downstream of Paper Mill Dam Pool and the southern end of Tseshaht Park [square boundary signs may be present to delineate these boundaries]. | |
| Seaward Portions Areas 123 to 127 | Seaward Portions Areas 123 to 127 | Those portions of Areas 123 to 127, seaward of the line drawn from Pacheena Point lighthouse at 48º43.327' N 125º 05.855' W then to 48º42.456' N 125º 06.583' W seaward of Pachena Point, then to 48º 46.420' N 125º13.997' W seaward of Cape Beale, then to 48º54.572' N 125º33.622' W seaward of Amphitrite Point, then to 49º05.100' N 125º54.646' W seaward of Cox Point, then to 49º10.280' N 126º04.790' W seaward of Blunden Island, then to 49º16.472' N 126º15.140' W seaward of Rafael Point, then to 49º20.008' N 126º17.188' W seaward of Sydney Inlet, then to 49º23.807' N 126º24.483' W seaward of Hesquiat Point, then to 49º21.620' N 126º28.478' W seaward of Matlahaw Point, then to 49º22.113' N 126º33.508' W seaward of Estevan Point, then to 49º23.869' N 126º35.333' W seaward of Homais Cove, then to 49º27.766' N 126º35.971' W seaward of Split Cape, then to 49º 31.494' N 126º 35.669' W seaward of Escalante Point, then to 49º34.042' N 126º41.611' W seaward of Maquinna Point, then to 49º36.254' N 126º50.538' W seaward of Bajo Point, then to 49º39.892' N 126º55.125' W seaward of Skuna Bay, then to 49º44.400' N 127º00.289' W seaward of Ferrer Point, then to 49º50.767' N 127º10.151' W seaward of Tatchu Point,then to 49º59.142' N 127º28.125' W seaward of Lookout Island, then to 50º06.948' N 127º41.617' W seaward of Jackobson Point, then to 50º03.599' N 127º47.722' W seaward of Clerke Point, then to 50º05.868' N 127º57.906' W seaward of Solander Island, then to 50º19.284' N 128º00.130' W seaward of Lawn Point, then to 50º31.501' N 128º14.238' W seaward of Topknot Point, then to 50º35.683' N 128º19.249' W seaward of Cape Palmerston, then to 50º39.280' N 128º23.459' W seaward of Winifred Island, then to 50º41.116' N 128º24.166' W seaward of Cape Russell, then to 50º44.137' N 128º26.559' W seaward of Strange Rock, then to 50º47.926' N 128º27.363' W seaward of Cape Scott, then to Frederiksen Point. |
| Tidal Portion of Somass River and Portion of Alberni Harbour | That portion of Subarea 23-1 from the tidal boundary signs at the top of the rapids at Paper Mill Dam on the Somass River downstream to a line commencing in upper Alberni Harbour at 49°14.184'N and 124°50.302'W then through the southernmost point of Hoik Island then to the flashing green light at the mouth of the Somass River, then due east to the opposite shore at 49°14.279'N and 124°48.912'W, [square boundary signs may be present to delineate these boundary locations on the east and west shoreline in the Alberni Harbour]. |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Other finfish
Finfish other than salmon
- You must immediately and permanently record all retained halibut on your paper licence, your NRLS catch log or your NRLS-linked FishingBC app catch log.
- Check the Restrictions for the current possession limit for Pacific halibut
- Learn more about fishing for finfish
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Codfish | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 8 | Open | |
| Eulachon | 23,123 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Finfish - all other species | 23,123 | angling, dip net, herring jig, herring rake, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Greenling | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 3 | Open | |
| Halibut | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open | |
| Herring | 23,123 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 20kg | Open | |
| Lingcod | 23,123 | 65cm | angling, spear fishing while diving | 3 | Open |
| Mackerel | 23,123 | angling, dip net, herring jig, spear fishing while diving | 100 | Open | |
| Northern Anchovy | 23,123 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 20kg | Open | |
| Pacific sand lance | 23,123 | cast net, dip net, herring jig, herring rake | 5kg | Open | |
| Pacific sardine | 23,123 | angling, dip net, herring jig, spear fishing while diving | 100 | Open | |
| Rockfish - Yelloweye | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 0 | Non Retention | |
| Rockfish - all species except Yelloweye | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 3 | Open | |
| Sablefish | 23,123 | angling | 4 | Open | |
| Sculpin | 23,123 | angling | 8 | Open | |
| Shark - Basking | 23,123 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Blue | 23,123 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Brown Cat | 23,123 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Great White | 23,123 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Salmon | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 1 | Open | |
| Shark - Sixgill | 23,123 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - Tope | 23,123 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Shark - all other species | 23,123 | 0 | Closed | ||
| Skate | 23,123 | angling | 1 | Open | |
| Smelt | 23,123 | dip net, gill net | 20kg | Open | |
| Sole or Flounder | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 8 | Open | |
| Spiny Dogfish | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 4 | Open | |
| Surfperch | 23,123 | angling | 8 | Open | |
| Tuna - Albacore | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Tuna - Bluefin | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| Tuna - all other species | 23,123 | angling, spear fishing while diving | 20 | Open | |
| White Sturgeon | 23,123 | angling | 0 | Non Retention | |
| Wolf Eel | 23,123 | angling | 0 | Non Retention |
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trout (hatchery and wild combined) | 23,123 | 30cm | angling | 2 Combined Total * Consisting of no more than:
|
Open |
Last updated: 2025-05-16
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Paper Mill Dam Pool Closure | Closed | (May 1 to Sep 30) |
| Tidal Portion of Somass River and Portion of Alberni Harbour | Closed | From 22:00 h until 05:00 h only - (year round ) | |
| Finfish - all other species | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Herring | Coastwide | Reminder | Harvesting of herring roe from marine plants or plants placed in the water for the purpose of harvesting herring roe is prohibited. |
| Eulachon | Coastwide | Closed | Due to conservation concerns the harvesting of eulachon is prohibited. |
| Codfish | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Species includes - Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod. | |
| Greenling | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Halibut | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Coastwide | Annual Limit Pieces | 10 - The coastwide total annual limit for halibut is 10 from all tidal waters that are open to halibut retention. | |
| Coastwide | Maximum Length Head On (cm) | 102 - The maximum overall length for halibut is 102 cm head-on, or 78 cm head-off. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | As a Condition of Licence, the possession limit is one (1) halibut. No person shall retain a halibut greater than 102 cm head-on length (78 cm head-off). Head-off measurements are made from the base of the pectoral fin at its most forward point to the extreme end of the middle of the tail. | |
| 23,123 | Reminder | Electronic licence restriction for non-residents - Only a Canadian resident may fish for halibut under an electronic licence in Areas 121, 23 and 123. Non-residents wishing to fish and retain halibut in Areas 121, 23 and 123, must obtain their licence in-person from a licence vendor in Canada (Independent Access Provider). | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | You must permanently record all retained catch (head-on length) on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. The licence holder may alternatively record retained catch immediately in an electronic licence held in an approved third-party application linked to their National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) account, or if mobile internet access is immediately available, directly in their NRLS account. The licence holder shall ensure that all mandatory catch records for the current licence year are produced, either on the licence (paper or electronic), or from the licence holder's NRLS account at the time of inspection. | |
| Lingcod | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| 23,123 | Reminder | Lingcod - Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm (21 in). | |
| Coastwide | Season Planning | For planning purposes only: For in-season requirements, please see current regulations/restrictions for specific areas, gear and individual species limits, and closures/exceptions. INSIDE WATERS - Generally open May 1 to September 30, for Areas 13 to 19 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48, 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5. Closed year round - Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17. OUTSIDE WATERS - Generally open April 1 to November 15, for Areas 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130, 142, 11, 21 to 27, 111, 123 to 127, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4, and Area 121 (portion). | |
| Perch | Coastwide | Reminder | Includes kelp, shiner and pile perch, and all species of surf and sea perch. |
| Rockfish | Coastwide | Reminder | Anglers in vessels shall immediately return all rockfish that are not being retained to the water and to a similar depth from which they were caught by use of an inverted weighted barbless hook or other purpose-built descender device. |
| Coastwide | Season Planning | For planning purposes only: For in-season requirements, please see current regulations/restrictions for specific areas, gear and individual species limits, and closures/exceptions. INSIDE WATERS - Generally open May 1 to September 30, for Areas 13 to 19 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48, 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5. Closed year round - Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17. OUTSIDE WATERS - Generally Open April 1 to November 15, for Areas 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130, 142, 11, 21 to 27, 111, 123 to 127, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4, and Area 121 (portion). | |
| Rockfish - all species except Yelloweye | 23,123 | Daily Limit Pieces | 3 - daily limit of 3 Rockfish per day, of which only 1 may be a China Rockfish, Tiger Rockfish or a Quillback Rockfish. |
| Sculpin | Coastwide | Reminder | Cabezon is a species of sculpin; for daily and possession limits, please see the species regulations table above for sculpin. |
| Sole or Flounder | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Trout (hatchery and wild combined) | Coastwide | Reminder | Note: (1) Trout - means Brook trout, Brown trout, Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, Lake trout, Rainbow trout, Steelhead, and includes Bull trout. (2) Steelhead - in waters where anadromous Rainbow trout are found, Steelhead means a Rainbow trout that is greater than 50cm in overall length. (3) Anadromous means migrating from the sea up rivers or streams to spawn. |
Last updated: 2025-05-16
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Pacific Rim National Park | Pacific Rim National Park | Pacific Rim Park - all tidal waters within the park (portions of Areas 20 to 24, 121, 123 and 124) |
| Paper Mill Dam Pool Closure | That portion of Subarea 23-1 in the tidal portion of the Somass River located near the bottom of the rapids directly upstream of Paper Mill Dam Pool, downstream approximately 225 m to near the top end of the vegetated portion of the unnamed island downstream of Paper Mill Dam Pool and the southern end of Tseshaht Park [square boundary signs may be present to delineate these boundaries]. | |
| Tidal Portion of Somass River and Portion of Alberni Harbour | That portion of Subarea 23-1 from the tidal boundary signs at the top of the rapids at Paper Mill Dam on the Somass River downstream to a line commencing in upper Alberni Harbour at 49°14.184'N and 124°50.302'W then through the southernmost point of Hoik Island then to the flashing green light at the mouth of the Somass River, then due east to the opposite shore at 49°14.279'N and 124°48.912'W, [square boundary signs may be present to delineate these boundary locations on the east and west shoreline in the Alberni Harbour]. |
Last updated: 2025-05-16
Bivalve shellfish and snails
Bivalve shellfish and snails
Eating contaminated shellfish can be life threatening. Closures change frequently throughout the year. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from closed or contaminated areas.
Bivalve shellfish have 2 hinged shells. Because they feed by filtering microscopic plankton from the water, changes in water quality can cause unsafe marine biotoxins, bacteria, or viruses to build up in their tissue.
Snails refers to all snails, whelks, tritons and periwinkles with the exception of Moon Snails. Snails and moon snails can accumulate toxins and pollutants. We recommend that they not be harvested from areas shown as closed in the table below.
Learn more about shellfish harvesting.
How to follow the rules
- Check for contamination in the subarea where you plan to harvest. You can also see this in a map format by using our our real-time bivalve shellfish safety harvesting map.
- If no contamination closures are in effect, check species regulations and additional harvest restrictions.
- You are not allowed to harvest within the boundaries of an aquaculture facility. See our interactive map for currently licensed bivalve aquaculture facility locations or, where available, refer to signs and markers on the beach.
- Littleneck, Manila and butter clams are subject to a minimum size limit. See below under restrictions for more information on clam size limits.
- Questions? Email us at DFO.PACCSSP-PCAMPAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Bivalve shellfish contamination closures
Planned bivalve shellfish harvesting closures
Look at the first column below to see which species are safe to harvest. If there is information in the second column, it is illegal and unsafe to harvest any bivalve species in those areas.
| Subarea | Marine biotoxin update (open bivalve species) | Sanitary contamination closures (closed to shellfish harvesting) |
|---|---|---|
| 23-1 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 23-2 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 23-3 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 23-4 | Clam - Butter;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 23-5 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 23-6 | ||
| 23-7 | Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 23-8 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse | |
| 23-9 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 23-10 | Geoduck;Clam - Horse;Clam - Littleneck;Clam - Manila;Mussels - all species combined;Oyster - Pacific | |
| 23-11 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 123-1 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 123-2 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 123-3 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 123-4 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 123-5 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 123-6 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 123-7 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 123-8 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 123-9 | Closed to All Bivalve Species |
Last updated: 2025-05-09
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Daily Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clam - Butter | 23,123 | hand digging, hand picking | 20 |
| Clam - Horse | 23,123 | hand digging, hand picking | 6 |
| Clam - Littleneck | 23,123 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - Manila | 23,123 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - Razor | 23,123 | hand digging | 12 |
| Clam - Softshell | 23,123 | hand digging | 25 |
| Clam - Varnish | 23,123 | hand digging | 60 |
| Clam - all species combined | 23,123 | hand digging, hand picking | 60 |
| Cockles | 23,123 | hand digging, hand picking | 25 |
| Geoduck | 23,123 | hand digging, hand picking | 3 |
| Mussel - Blue | 23,123 | hand picking | 75 |
| Mussel - California | 23,123 | hand picking | 25 |
| Mussels - all species combined | 23,123 | hand picking | 75 |
| Oyster - Olympia | 23,123 | 0 | |
| Oyster - all species except Olympia | 23,123 | hand picking | 12 |
| Scallop - Pink and Spiny | 23,123 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 75 |
| Scallop - Purple-hinged rock | 23,123 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Scallop - Weathervane | 23,123 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Scallop - Weathervane and Purple-hinged rock combined | 23,123 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 6 |
| Snail - Moon | 23,123 | hand picking | 2 |
| Snail - other | 23,123 | hand picking | 75 |
| Whelks | 23,123 | hand picking | 75 |
Last updated: 2025-05-07
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shellfish | Pacific Rim National Park | Reminder | A complete description of the park boundaries is at https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/n-14.01/ - see Schedule 2 - Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada. |
| Bivalve Species | Coastwide | Reminder | Because of the risk of contamination, you are not allowed to harvest bivalve shellfish (for any purpose) within: (1) 300 metres around industrial, municipal and sewage treatment plant outfall discharges (2) 125 metres around a marina, ferry wharf, floating living accommodation, or any finfish net pen (exceptions described as follows) (3) 25 meters around any floating living accommodation facility located within a shellfish aquaculture tenure where a zero-discharge and appropriate waste management plan is a condition of the Aquaculture Licence and is approved by the Regional Interdepartmental Committee (4) 0 meters of any finfish net pen within an aquaculture tenure where an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Management Plan approved by the Regional Interdepartmental Committee is in operation. |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Only aquaculture operators are allowed to harvest within the boundaries of licenced aquaculture facilities. Please be aware of the location of aquaculture facilities in the areas close to where you are intending to harvest. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Clams - No person shall retain a Manila Clam or Littleneck Clam smaller than 35 mm, nor a Butter Clam smaller than 55 mm. | |
| Clam - Butter | Coeur d'Alene Creek | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) |
| Effingham Inlet West | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Geer Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Kookswiis (Sarita River) | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Maggie River | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Meade Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Northeast Numukamis Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 0 | |
| Toquart River Flats | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - Horse | Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 12 |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 24 | |
| Clam - Littleneck | Coeur d'Alene Creek | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) |
| Effingham Inlet West | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Geer Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Kookswiis (Sarita River) | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Maggie River | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Meade Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Northeast Numukamis Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 24 | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 48 | |
| Toquart River Flats | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - Manila | Coeur d'Alene Creek | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) |
| Effingham Inlet West | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Geer Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Kookswiis (Sarita River) | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Maggie River | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Meade Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Northeast Numukamis Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 24 | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 48 | |
| Toquart River Flats | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - Razor | Coeur d'Alene Creek | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) |
| Effingham Inlet West | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Geer Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Kookswiis (Sarita River) | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Maggie River | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Meade Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Northeast Numukamis Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 8 | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 16 | |
| Toquart River Flats | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - Varnish | Coeur d'Alene Creek | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) |
| Effingham Inlet West | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Geer Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Kookswiis (Sarita River) | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Maggie River | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Meade Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Northeast Numukamis Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 24 | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 48 | |
| Toquart River Flats | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Clam - all species combined | Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 24 |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 48 | |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Reminder | Pacific Rim National Park combined daily limit - 8 razors, 3 geoducks, 12 horse clams, 24 littleneck or manila clams, and 0 butter clams, and maximum of all clam species combined is 24. | |
| 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. | |
| 23,123 | Reminder | Clam harvesters are encouraged to fill in holes to reduce predation on exposed juvenile clams. | |
| 23,123 | Reminder | It is illegal to use any mechanical apparatus or dredge for harvesting clams. | |
| Geoduck | Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 3 |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 6 | |
| Mussel - Blue | Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 12 |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 24 | |
| Mussel - California | Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 12 |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 24 | |
| Mussels - all species combined | Pacific Rim National Park | Daily Limit Pieces | 24 |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Possession Limit Pieces | 48 | |
| 23,123 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for all mussel species is 75. | |
| Oyster - Olympia | Coeur d'Alene Creek | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) |
| Effingham Inlet West | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Geer Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Kookswiis (Sarita River) | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Maggie River | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Meade Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Northeast Numukamis Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Toquart River Flats | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Oyster - all species except Olympia | Coeur d'Alene Creek | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) |
| Effingham Inlet West | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Geer Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Kookswiis (Sarita River) | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Maggie River | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Meade Islets | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Northeast Numukamis Bay | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| Toquart River Flats | Closed | hand digging (year round ), picking (year round ) | |
| 23,123 | Packaging and Transporting | Avoid transfer of green crab - Harvesters are encouraged to shuck oysters on the beach and leave the shells there, or return oyster shells to the beach from where you collected them whenever possible. In order to avoid the transfer of European green crab, please dispose of any oyster shell harvested from the west coast of Vancouver Island back to the beach from where it came or with your household garbage. Consult your local DFO Office. You will need permission to harvest oysters from marked oyster farms. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | To avoid inadvertently harvesting Olympia oysters while you are harvesting Pacific oysters, do not harvest any oyster less than 5 cm in diameter. | |
| Snail - Moon | 23,123 | Reminder | Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details. |
| Scallop - Purple-hinged rock | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Scallop - Pink and Spiny | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Scallop - Weathervane | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
Last updated: 2025-05-07
Area descriptions
| Closure | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| 23.1 Bamfield Inlet and Grappler Inlet | 23.1.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Bamfield Inlet and Grappler Inlet lying inside a line drawn from Aguilar Point light to the harbour limit on the opposite shore. [NAD83] |
| 23.10 Julia Passage | 23.10.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Julia Passage, Barkley Sound. The southern passage entrance closure boundary consists of a line drawn between a point on the Vancouver Island shore located at latitude 48°57.10' north latitude and longitude 125°13.20' west longitude, and the closest headland on the southern island of the Alma Russell Islands. The closure extends north easterly to a line drawn from the north eastern tip of the northern most Alma Russell Island to the Vancouver Island shore [NAD 27]. |
| 23.13 Area between Fatty Basin and Useless Inlet | 23.13.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore in the large bay between Useless Inlet and Fatty Basin that lie within a 150 meter radius from a point on the unnamed rock at 48°59.19 minutes north latitude and 125°01.87 minutes west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 23.16 Poett Nook | 23.16.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Poett Nook lying inside a line across the narrows at the entrance, from a point on land on the west side of the entrance at 48°53.00' north latitude and 125°02.99' west longitude, to a point on land on the east side of the entrance at 48°53.00' north latitude and 125°02.89' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 23.17 Santa Maria Island | 23.17.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of northeastern Santa Maria Island, in Numukamis Bay, south of a line drawn from the northeastern most tip of Santa Maria Island at 48°53.71' north latitude and 125°01.23' west longitude thence easterly to a point of land at 48°53.72' north latitude and 125°01.13' west longitude, and north of a line drawn from a point on land on eastern Santa Maria Island at 48°53.65' north latitude and 125°01.26' west longitude thence due east to a point on land at 48° 53.65' north latitude and 125°01.15' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 23.18 Effingham Inlet | 23.18.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore on the southwest side of Effingham Inlet, west of Webster Island, within a 125 meter radius of the dock at 49°00.11' north latitude and 125°11.61' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 23.19 East Effingham Inlet, land file #1403799 | 23.19.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the east side of Effingham Inlet, within a distance of 125 meters from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 49°01.30' north latitude and 125°08.98' west longitude, within aquaculture tenure land file #1403799. [NAD 83] |
| 23.2 Ucluelet Inlet | 23.2.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Ucluelet Inlet and a portion of Newcombe Channel, Barkley Sound inside a line drawn from a point of land on the southeast side of the Ucluth Peninsula by Spring Cove at 48°55.57' north latitude and 125°31.56' west longitude thence southeasterly to the northernmost point of Francis Island at 48°55.46' north latitude and 125°31.43' west longitude thence following the shoreline southwesterly to the southernmost point of Francis Island at 48°55.29' north latitude and 125°31.45' west longitude thence southerly to the easternmost point of Jenny Reef at 48°55.00' north latitude and 125°31.50' west longitude thence southeasterly to an islet in the George Fraser Islands at 48°54.79' north latitude and 125°30.97' west longitude thence northeasterly to a point of land at 48°55.31' north latitude and 125°30.48' west longitude thence following the shoreline and returning to the point of commencement. [NAD83] |
| 23.20 Toquart Bay - Coulson forest Products Dock and Toquart Bay Campsite Dock | 23.20.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the head of Toquart Bay, in a 125 m radius from any point on the dock fingers of the Coulson Forest Products dock located at 49°01.39' north latitude and 125°21.65' west longitude, and in a 125 m radius from any point on the dock fingers of the Toquart Bay campsite dock at 49°01.22' north latitude and 125°21.53' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 23.22 San Mateo Bay, land file #1405569 | 23.22.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of San Mateo Bay, within a distance of 125 meters from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 48°56.40' north latitude and 124°59.10' west longitude, within aquaculture tenure land file #1405569. [NAD 83] |
| 23.23 West Effingham Inlet, land file #1409678 | 23.23.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the west side of Effingham Inlet, within a distance of 125 meters from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 49°00.79' north latitude and 125°10.84' west longitude, within aquaculture tenure land file #1409678. [NAD 83] |
| 23.25 East Effingham Inlet, land file #1407569 | 23.25.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the east side of Effingham Inlet, within a distance of 125 meters from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 49°00.32' north latitude and 125°10.40' west longitude, within aquaculture tenure land file #1407569. [NAD 83] |
| 23.26 Somass River Estuary | 23.26.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the Somass River Estuary in Port Alberni, inside a line extending from a point on the northwestern corner of the pond at 49°15.19' north latitude and 124°49.36' west longitude easterly across the Somass River Estuary to a point on land at 49°15.12' north latitude and 124°48.70' west longitude, thence southwesterly along the intertidal foreshore to a point on the breakwater which extends from Lupsi Cupsi Point at 49°14.55' north latitude and 124° 49.13' west longitude, thence northwesterly across the Somass River Estuary to a point on land at 49°14.70' north latitude and 124°49.53' west longitude, thence northeasterly along the margins of the sewage disposal basin and pond to the point of commencement. [NAD83] |
| 23.29 Pinkerton Islands | 23.29.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore in the centre of the Pinkerton Islands, east of a line drawn from the westernmost point of the islet marked as 30 m high on CHS Chart 3670 at 48°57.52' north latitude and 125°16.96' west longitude southeasterly to the westernmost point of the islet marked as 47 m high at 48°57.46' north latitude and 125°16.96' west longitude; and west of a line drawn from the southeasternmost point of the small islet southeast of Islet marked 30 m high at 48°57.47' north latitude and 125°16.76' west longitude southwesterly to a point on land on Islet marked 47 m high at 48°57.44' north latitude and 125°16.79' west longitude. [NAD 83] |
| 23.3 Cigarette Cove, Entrance Inlet | 23.3.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Cigarette Cove, Entrance Inlet, lying inside of a line drawn across the entrance to the cove at its narrowest point. [NAD83] |
| 23.31 - Head of Uchucklesit Inlet | 23.31.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the head of Uchucklesit Inlet located westerly of a line drawn from a point on land at 49°01.14' north latitude and 125°02.09' west longitude, thence southwesterly to a point on land at 49°00.67' north latitude and 125°02.50' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 23.32 - Eastern shore of Uchucklesit Inlet | 23.32.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore on the eastern shore of Uchucklesit Inlet, inside a line drawn from a point of land on Caiger Point at 49°00.96' north latitude and 125°02.00' west longitude, thence 150 m seaward in a southwesterly direction to a point in water at 49°00.89' north latitude and 125°02.06' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point on land in Green Cove at 48°59.23' north latitude and 124°58.81' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 23.5 River Point, Alberni Inlet | 23.5.png | The intertidal foreshore of Alberni Inlet from River Point to a point 480 m south. [NAD83] |
| 23.9 Crawford Creek, Sechart Channel | 23.9.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore inside a 125 metre radius of the mouth of the creek draining Crawford Lake into Sechart Channel. [NAD83] |
| 23.ll Ritherdon Bay, Landfile #1401757, Oysters Only | 23.ll.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of that portion of Subarea 23-3 inside a line that commences at 48°57.180'N and 124°58.874'W [in water] then in a straight line to 48°57.173'N and 124°58.615'W [in water] then in a straight line to 48°55.139'N and 124°58.621'W [on land] then following the shoreline to 48°57.073'N and 124°58.872'W [on land] then in a straight line to the point of commencement; including BC Land Registry Aquaculture Tenure #1401757. [NAD 83] |
| 23-6.A | 23-6.A.png | Subarea 23-6 except that portion northeast of a line drawn from a point of land at 48°58.47' north latitude and 125°04.92' west longitude to a point of land at 48°58.61' north latitude and 125°05.05' west longitude, known as Useless Inlet. |
| 23-6.B | 23-6.B.png | That portion of Subarea 23-6 northeast of a line drawn from a point of land at 48°58.47' north latitude and 125°04.92' west longitude to a point of land at 48°58.61' north latitude and 125°05.05' west longitude, known as Useless Inlet. |
Last updated: 2025-05-09
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Coeur d'Alene Creek | Coeur d'Alene Creek | That portion of Effingham Inlet in Subarea 23-6 at the mouth of Coeur d'Alene Creek east of a line that starts at 49°02.930' N, 125°08.302' W then following the low water mark to 49°02.659' N, 125°08.618' W and west of a straight line from 49°02.758' N, 125°08.272' W due south to the opposite shoreline. [NAD83] |
| Effingham Inlet West | Effingham Inlet West | That portion of Effingham Inlet in Subarea 23-6 west of a line that starts at 49°03.043' N, 125°09.768' W then following the low water mark to 49°02.895' N, 125°09.944' W. [NAD83] |
| Geer Islets | Geer Islets | That portion of Subarea 23-5 surrounding the Geer Islets inside a line that starts at 48°55.828' N, 125°06.707' W then south following the low water mark to 48°55.673' N, 125°06.672' W then north following the low water mark to the point of commencement, including the intertidal zone between the north and south islets. [NAD83] |
| Kookswiis (Sarita River) | Kookswiis (Sarita River) | That portion of Numukamis Bay in Subarea 23-4 at the mouth of the Sarita River (Kookswiis) inside a line that starts at 48°54.434' N, 125°'00.652' W then following the low water mark to 48°53.731' N, 125°01.278' W then following the eastern shoreline of Santa Maria Island to 48°53.529' N, 125°01.565' W then straight across the channel to 48°53.486' N, 125°01.486' W; and bounded on the east by a line that starts at 48°54.187' N, 125°00.540' W then straight to 48°54.148' N, 125°00.612' W then straight to 48°54.086' N, 125°00.632' W then straight to 48°54.064' N, 125°00.592' W then straight to 48°54.030' N, 125°00.599' W then straight to 48°53.786' N, 125°01.034' W. [NAD83] |
| Maggie River | Maggie River | That portion of Subarea 23-10 near the mouth of the Maggie River bounded on the east by a line running due south from 49°00.301' N, 125°21.956' W to the low water mark, then following the low water mark to the southern boundary; and bounded on the south by a line running due east from 48°59.305' N, 125°23.155' W to the low water mark. [NAD83] |
| Meade Islets | Meade Islets | That portion of Subarea 23-5 surrounding the Meade Islets inside a line that starts at 48°55.650' N, 125°07.290' W then south following the low water mark to 48°55.423' N, 125°07.507' W then north following the low water mark to the point of commencement, including the intertidal zone between the east and west islets. [NAD83] |
| Northeast Numukamis Bay | Northeast Numukamis Bay | That portion of northeast Numukamis Bay in Subarea 23-4 at the mouth of Carnation Creek east of a line that starts at 48°54.920' N, 125°00.423' W then following the low water mark to 48°54.722' N, 125°00.468' W. [NAD83] |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Pacific Rim National Park | Pacific Rim Park - all tidal waters within the park (portions of Areas 20 to 24, 121, 123 and 124) |
| Toquart River Flats | Toquart River Flats | That portion of Toquart Bay in Subarea 23-10 bounded on the east by a straight line that starts at 49°02.363' N, 125°20.836' W then straight to 49°02.321' N, 125°20.767' W then straight to 49°02.250' N, 125°20.788' W then 200° True to the low water mark then following the low water mark to the southern boundary; bounded on the south by a straight line running due east from 49°01.513' N, 125°21.811' W to the low water mark; and bounded on the northwest by a line that starts at 49°02.318' N, 125°21.438' W then straight to 49°02.305' N, 125°21.468' W then straight to 49°02.235' N, 125°21.468' W then straight to 49°02.199' N, 125°21.553' W. [NAD83] |
Last updated: 2025-05-07
Crab
Crab
- It is illegal to possess female Dungeness, King, Puget Sound King, Brown Box and Red Rock crabs. Female crabs must be released immediately. New
- Invasive European green crab
- Learn more about fishing for crab
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crab - Box | 23,123 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 1 | Open | |
| Crab - Dungeness | 23,123 | 165mm | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 6 | Open |
| Crab - Dungeness, Red Rock and King combined | 23,123 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 6 | Open | |
| Crab - King | 23,123 | dip net, diving, ring net, trap | 2 | Open | |
| Crab - Puget Sound King | 23,123 | dip net, hand picking, hand picking while diving, ring net, trap | 1 | Open | |
| Crab - Red Rock | 23,123 | 115mm | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 6 | Open |
| Crab - Shore | 23,123 | hand picking | 75 | Open | |
| Crab - other | 23,123 | dip net, diving, hand picking, ring net, trap | 4 | Open |
Last updated: 2025-05-07
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shellfish | Pacific Rim National Park | Reminder | A complete description of the park boundaries is at https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/n-14.01/ - see Schedule 2 - Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada. |
| Crab | Coastwide | Reminder | As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - Traps must be marked with a tag, float or buoy that has your name and telephone number on it. This includes traps tied to a boat or dock or fished from shore. If two traps are attached to one ground-line, it is sufficient to attach a tag, float or buoy that bears the operator's name and telephone number to one end of the ground-line. |
| Coastwide | Reminder | As a Condition of Licence, crab traps are required to have two unobstructed circular escape holes or rings, measuring a minimum of 105 mm in diameter. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Rot Cord - As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996, all crab traps must have a section in the top or sidewall that has been secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 (approximately 5 mm or 3/16 inch diameter). This twine is often referred to as rot cord. On deterioration this must produce a rectangular opening with a minimum size of 7 cm x 20 cm, or a square opening with a minimum size of 11 cm x 11 cm. This regulation is intended to ensure that if the trap is lost, the section secured by the cord will rot, allowing captive crabs to escape, and preventing the trap from continuing to fish. On traps with a rigid frame and a freely opening hinged lid, the trap lid must be secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 so that the trap lid will open freely when the rot cord is broken. No other fastenings may impede the hinged lid of the trap from opening. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Crab, prawn and shrimp floats - As a Condition of Licence, the primary float attached to crab traps must be cylindrical in shape (includes bullet shaped) and a minimum of 27 cm in length and 12 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than spherical. The primary float attached to prawn and shrimp traps must be spherical in shape and a minimum of 27 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than cylindrical. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Keep navigation channels clear of buoys and lines. Any fishing gear that interferes with safe navigation can be removed under the Navigation Protection Act. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Floats must be made of a durable material and suitable for operation in marine waters. Floats/materials not suitable for use in marine waters are prohibited. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - Maximum of 2 ring nets, dip nets or traps or combination of these per fisher. Ensure gear is properly marked. Hand picking is permitted including by diving. No sharp-pointed instruments are permitted for harvesting crab. It is illegal to use snares in catching or attempting to catch crabs. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - A line or rope attached to a trap must be submerged in such a manner that the line or rope does not come into contact with a person or a boat. | |
| Crab - Box | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Crab - Dungeness | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Coastwide | Packaging and Transporting | In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Dungeness crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed. | |
| Coastwide | Sex Restriction | It is prohibited to possess female Dungeness crab. | |
| Crab - Red Rock | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Coastwide | Packaging and Transporting | In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Red Rock crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed. | |
| Coastwide | Sex Restriction | It is prohibited to possess female Red Rock crab. | |
| Crab - King | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Coastwide | Packaging and Transporting | In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of King crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed. | |
| Coastwide | Sex Restriction | It is prohibited to possess female King crab. | |
| Crab - Puget Sound King | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Coastwide | Sex Restriction | As a Condition of Licence, it is prohibited to possess female Puget Sound King Crab. | |
| Crab - Brown Box | Coastwide | Sex Restriction | As a Condition of Licence, it is prohibited to possess female Brown Box Crab. |
Last updated: 2025-05-07
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Pacific Rim National Park | Pacific Rim National Park | Pacific Rim Park - all tidal waters within the park (portions of Areas 20 to 24, 121, 123 and 124) |
Last updated: 2025-05-07
Other invertebrates
Other invertebrates
- Basic information about shellfish harvesting
- Seasonal recreational harvesting closures for prawn and shrimp
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Daily Limits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abalone | 23,123 | 0 | Closed | |
| Barnacles - Giant | 23,123 | diving | 6 | Open |
| Barnacles - Goose | 23,123 | hand picking | 2kg | Open |
| Invertebrates - all other species | 23,123 | angling, dip net, hand digging, hand picking, hand picking while diving, hand picking while snorkeling, hand pump, ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap | 20 | Open |
| Limpet | 23,123 | hand picking | 75 | Open |
| Octopus | 23,123 | angling, hand picking, hand picking while diving, trap | 1 | Open |
| Sand Dollar | 23,123 | hand picking | 6 | Open |
| Sea Cucumber | 23,123 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 12 | Open |
| Sea Star or Starfish | 23,123 | diving, hand picking | 6 | Open |
| Sea Urchin | 23,123 | hand picking, hand picking while diving | 12 | Open |
| Shellfish - all other species | 23,123 | angling, dip net, hand digging, hand picking, hand picking while diving, hand pump, ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap | 20 | Open |
| Shrimp - Ghost | 23,123 | hand digging, hand pump | 50 | Open |
| Shrimp including prawn | 23,123 | ring net, spear fishing while diving, trap | 125 | Open |
| Squid - Opal | 23,123 | cast net, jigging | 200 | Open |
| Squid - all other species | 23,123 | cast net, jigging | 20 | Open |
Last updated: 2025-05-17
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shellfish | Pacific Rim National Park | Reminder | A complete description of the park boundaries is at https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/n-14.01/ - see Schedule 2 - Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada. |
| Other Invertebrates | Coastwide | Reminder | Rot Cord - As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996, all open mesh octopus traps and shrimp/prawn traps must have a section in the top or sidewall that has been secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 (approximately 5 mm or 3/16 inch diameter). This twine is often referred to as rot cord. On deterioration this must produce a rectangular opening with a minimum size of 7 cm x 20 cm, or a square opening with a minimum size of 11 cm x 11 cm. This regulation is intended to ensure that if the trap is lost, the section secured by the cord will rot, allowing captive crabs to escape, and preventing the trap from continuing to fish. On traps with a rigid frame and a freely opening hinged lid the trap lid must be secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 so that the trap lid will open freely when the rot cord is broken. No other fastenings may impede the hinged lid of the trap from opening. |
| Coastwide | Reminder | As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - Traps must be marked with a tag, float or buoy that has your name and telephone number on it. This includes traps tied to a boat or dock or fished from shore. If two traps are attached to one ground-line, it is sufficient to attach a tag, float or buoy that bears the operator's name and telephone number to one end of the ground-line. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - A line or rope attached to a trap must be submerged in such a manner that the line or rope does not come into contact with a person or a boat. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Floats must be made of a durable material and suitable for operation in marine waters. Floats/materials not suitable for use in marine waters are prohibited. | |
| Barnacles - Giant | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Octopus | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Coastwide | Reminder | The use of sharp pointed instruments or chemicals is prohibited. | |
| Sea Cucumber | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Sea Urchin | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Shrimp including prawn | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Coastwide | Reminder | As per the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations, 1996 - Maximum 4 traps or ring nets or combination of these per fisher. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Spot Prawns (Pandalus platyceros) with eggs - No person shall retain prawns carrying eggs, or remove eggs from the underside of prawns carrying eggs. All prawns carrying eggs externally on the underside of the tail shall be returned to the water immediately and in the manner that causes the least harm. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Crab, prawn and shrimp floats - As a Condition of Licence, the primary float attached to crab traps must be cylindrical in shape (includes bullet shaped) and a minimum of 27 cm in length and 12 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than spherical. The primary float attached to prawn and shrimp traps must be spherical in shape and a minimum of 27 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than cylindrical. | |
| Sea Star or Starfish | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
| Shellfish - all other species | Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | diving (year round ), hand picking while diving (year round ), spear fishing while diving (year round ) |
Last updated: 2025-05-07
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Coastwide | ||
| Pacific Rim National Park | Pacific Rim National Park | Pacific Rim Park - all tidal waters within the park (portions of Areas 20 to 24, 121, 123 and 124) |
Last updated: 2025-05-07
Protected areas
Protected areas
Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:
| Area | Type | Closure name |
|---|---|---|
| 23-1 | Area of Interest | Upper Alberni Harbour / Hoik Island / Somass |
| 23-7 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Folger Passage |
| 23-8 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Broken Islands Group |
| Folger Passage | ||
| 123-3 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Folger Passage |
| 123-9 | Marine Protected Area | The Tang.ɢ̱wan - ḥačxwiqak - Tsig̱is (TḥT) |
Last updated: 2025-05-06
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Broken Islands Group | Broken Islands Group | That portion of Subarea 23-8 that lies inside a line that: begins at 48°55.329'N 125°19.300'W eastern tip of Dodd Island then to 48°55.767'N 125°17.600'W northwest tip of Jarvis Island then to 48°56.533'N 125°16.537'W western tip of Prideaux Island then follows the southerly shoreline to 48°56.400' N 125°15.867'W eastern tip of Prideaux Island then true east to 48°56.300'N 125°15.600'W northwest tip of Nettle Island then follows the southerly shoreline to 48°55.463'N 125°15.200'W southern tip of Nettle Island then true south to 48°55.056'N 125°15.200'W Gibraltar Island then follows the westerly shoreline to 48°54.767'N 125°15.767'W southwestern tip of Gibraltar Island then true south to 48°54.400'N 125°15.767'W Dempster Island then follows the easterly shoreline to 48°54.275'N 125°15.833'W southeastern tip of Dempster Island then to 48°53.500'N 125°16.600'W in water then to 48°52.853'N 125°18.600'W northwestern tip of Effingham Island then follows the westerly shoreline to 48°52.000'N 125°19.000'W southwestern tip of Effingham Island then true south to 48°51.900'N 125°19.000'W Austin Island t hen to 48°51.300'N 125°20.283'W southeastern tip of Howell Island then follows the northerly shoreline to 48°51.733'N 125°20.817'W western tip of Howell Island then true west to 48°51.733'N 125°21.186'W Wouwer Island then follows the northerly shoreline to 48°51.850'N 125°22.100'W western tip of Wouwer Island then to 48°52.833'N 125°22.622'W eastern tip of Benson Island then to 48°53.317'N 125°22.376'W eastern tip of Clarke Island then true north through Owens Island to 48°54.243'N 125°22.376'W southern tip of Lovett Island then follows the easterly shoreline to 48°54.472'N 125°22.400'W northern tip of Lovett Island then to 48°55.400'N 125°20.650'W western tip of Dodds Island then follows the southerly shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Folger Passage | Folger Passage | Those waters of Subareas 23-7, 23-8 and 123-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°50.800'N 125°18.900'W in water then to 48°48.500'N 125°14.900'W in water then to 48°47.400'N 125°16.300'W in water then to 48°49.800'N 125°20.300'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| The Tang.ɢ̱wan - ḥačxwiqak - Tsig̱is (TḥT) | The Tang.ɢ̱wan - ḥačxwiqak - Tsig̱is (TḥT) | All geographical co-ordinates are provided in the North American Datum 1983, Canadian Spatial Reference System (NAD83, CSRS). All lines joining the geographical co-ordinates of points are interpreted as rhumb lines, except where noted. General Zone: Those portions of Pacific Fishery Management Subareas 123-9, 124-1, 124-2, 125-6, 126-3, 126-4, 127-2, 127-4, and 130-1, inside a line commencing from: A point in water at 51° 11' 59.72" N and 130° 53' 14.52" W, then southeasterly to a point in water on the western boundary of the Scott Islands Protected Marine Area at 50° 42' 11.25" N and 130° 03' 57.11" W then southerly following the western boundary of the Scott Islands Protected Marine Area to 50° 24' 19.30" N and 130° 00' 37.40" W, then southeasterly following the boundary of the Scott Islands Protected Marine Area to 50° 13' 47.65" N and 129° 31' 56.53" W, then southeasterly to 50° 00' 55.77" N and 129° 16' 17.54" W, then southerly to 49° 09' 41.86" N and 129° 01' 38.30" W, then southeasterly to 47° 38' 28.92" N and 127° 08' 06.36" W, then southwesterly following the boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone to 46° 31' 36.69" N and 129° 07' 45.25" W, then northwesterly following the boundary of the Exclusive Economic Zone to 49° 36' 55.05" N and 134° 47' 46.12" W, then northeasterly back to the point of commencement. |
| Upper Alberni Harbour / Hoik Island / Somass | Upper Alberni Harbour / Hoik Island / Somass |
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Last updated: 2025-05-06
- Date modified: