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BC tidal areas 23 and 123 - Bamfield, Port Alberni and Ucluelet: 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:

  1. Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
  2. Check the species regulations tables for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
  3. 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 commences on April 1 and ends the following March 31.
  4. Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
  5. Unless otherwise specified, fishing opportunities and closures end at 23:59 hrs on the close-date shown.

Helpful resources:

Area map

Area maps

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

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Chinook salmon 23 45cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/10 Open (See Restrictions)
123 45cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/10 Open (See Restrictions)
Chum salmon 23 -/-/- Non-retention until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
123 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) 23 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
23-1 to 23-3 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Coho salmon (hatchery) 123 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Coho salmon (wild) 123 Barbless Hook & Line -/-/- Non-retention until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
23 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Pink salmon 23 -/-/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)
123 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sockeye salmon 123 Barbless Hook & Line 0/0/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)
23 Barbless Hook & Line 0/0/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2023-11-01 06:55:05

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Finfish Pacific Rim National Park Closed Finfish closure - Closed to 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.
Chinook salmon Coastwide Reminder Keeping your chinook salmon? You must permanently record all retained catch on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. If mobile internet access is immediately available, the licence holder may alternatively record catch immediately in their National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) account.
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.
Coho salmon (hatchery) Coastwide Reminder Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin.

Last updated: 2023-11-01 06:55:10

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Pacific Rim National Park Pacific_Rim_National_Park.pdf Pacific Rim National Park (portions of Areas 20 to 24, 121, 123 and 124). 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.

Last updated: 2023-11-01 06:55:10

Other finfish

Finfish other than salmon

Learn more about fishing for finfish

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Herring 23,123 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Eulachon 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Mackerel 23,123 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line 100/200/- Open (See Restrictions)
Northern anchovy 23,123 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other finfish species 23,123 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Pacific sand lance 23,123 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 5kg/10kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Pacific sardine 23,123 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 100/200/- Open (See Restrictions)
Surf smelt 23,123 Dip Net, Gill Net 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Tuna, Albacore 23,123 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Tuna, All other species 23,123 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Codfish 23,123 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Greenling 23,123 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 3/6/- Open (See Restrictions)
Halibut 23,123 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 0/0/0 Closed until
Lingcod 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Perch 23,123 Hook and Line 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Rockfish, All species combined 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Rockfish, Yelloweye 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Sablefish 23,123 Hook and Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sculpin 23,123 Hook and Line 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shark, All other species 23,123 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Shark, Basking 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Blue 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Bluntnose 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Brown Cat 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Great White 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Salmon 23,123 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shark, Sixgill 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Tope 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Skate 23,123 Hook and Line 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sole/Flounder 23,123 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Spiny dogfish 23,123 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sturgeon 23,123 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Trout (hatchery) 23,123 30cm Hook and Line 2/4/- Open (See Restrictions)
Trout (wild) 23,123 0/0/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Wolf eel 23,123 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2023-11-16 00:07:35

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Finfish Pacific Rim National Park Closed Finfish closure - Closed to spear fishing while diving.
Herring 23,123 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 23,123 Reminder Species includes: Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod.
Halibut Coastwide Closed No person shall retain a halibut greater than 126cm 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 Closed Recreational halibut fishing closes Coastwide as of midnight September 30.
23,123 Maximum Length Head On (cm) 126 cm The maximum overall length for halibut is 126 cm head-on, or 97 cm head-off.
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 from a licence vendor in Canada (Independent Access Provider).
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).
23,123 Reminder Lingcod: Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.)
Perch 23,123 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 Note - For planning purposes only - for in-season requirements, please see current regulations/restrictions for specific areas, gear and individual species limits, and closures/exceptions. INSIDE WATERS - Generally open May 1 to September 30, for Areas 13 to 19 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48, 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5. Closed year round - Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17. OUTSIDE WATERS - Generally Open April 1 to November 15, for Areas 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130, 142, 11, 21 to 27, 111, 123 to 127, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4, and Area 121 (portion).
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.
23,123 Combined Daily Limit Pieces 2 The aggregate recreational daily limit for wild and hatchery trout combined is two (2).

Last updated: 2023-11-16 00:05:05

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Pacific Rim National Park Pacific_Rim_National_Park.pdf Pacific Rim National Park (portions of Areas 20 to 24, 121, 123 and 124). 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.

Last updated: 2023-11-16 00:05:05

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

  1. Check for contamination in the subarea where you plan to harvest.
  2. If no contamination closures are in effect, check species regulations and additional harvest restrictions.
  3. Littleneck, Manila and butter clams are subject to a minimum size limit. See below under restrictions for more information on clam size limits.
  4. 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;Oyster, Pacific
23-4 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
23-5 Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
23-6
  • 23-6.A: Closed to All Bivalve Species
  • 23-6.B: Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific
23-7 Closed to All Bivalve Species
23-8 Closed to All Bivalve Species
23-9 Closed to All Bivalve Species
23-10 Closed to All Bivalve Species
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: 2023-11-21 15:05:41

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Clam, Butter 23 Hand Digging 20/40/-
Clam, Horse 23 Hand Digging 6/12/-
Clam, Littleneck 23 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Clam, Manila 23 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Clam, Razor 23 Hand Digging 12/24/-
Clam, Softshell 23 Hand Digging 25/50/-
Clam, Varnish 23 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Clams, All 23 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Cockles 23,123 Hand Digging 25/50/-
Geoduck 23 Hand Digging, Hand Picking 3/6/-
Mussel, Blue 23 Hand Picking 75/150/-
Mussel, California 23 Hand Picking 25/50/-
Oyster, Olympia 23,123 0/0/0
Oyster, Pacific 23,123 Hand Picking 12/24/-
Scallop, Pink and Spiny 23,123 Diving, Hand Picking 75/150/-
Scallop, Rock 23,123 Diving, Hand Picking 6/12/-
Scallop, Weathervane 23,123 Diving, Hand Picking 6/12/-
Snail, Moon 23,123 Hand Picking 2/4/-
Snail, Other 23,123 Hand Picking 75/150/-

Last updated: 2023-08-16 10:47:18

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Shellfish Pacific Rim National Park Closed These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers, all year.
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 Clams: No person shall retain a Manila Clam or Littleneck Clam smaller than 35 mm, nor a Butter Clam smaller than 55 mm.
Coeur d'Alene Creek Closed This Intertidal Bivalve Harvest Area is set aside for the use of Maa-nulth First Nations members only
Toquart River Flats Closed This Intertidal Bivalve Harvest Area is set aside for the use of Maa-nulth First Nations members only
Northeast Numukamis Bay Closed This Intertidal Bivalve Harvest Area is set aside for the use of Maa-nulth First Nations members only
Meade Islets Closed This Intertidal Bivalve Harvest Area is set aside for the use of Maa-nulth First Nations members only
Maggie River Closed This Intertidal Bivalve Harvest Area is set aside for the use of Maa-nulth First Nations members only
Kookswiis (Sarita River) Closed This Intertidal Bivalve Harvest Area is set aside for the use of Maa-nulth First Nations members only
Geer Islets Closed This Intertidal Bivalve Harvest Area is set aside for the use of Maa-nulth First Nations members only
Effingham Inlet West Closed This Intertidal Bivalve Harvest Area is set aside for the use of Maa-nulth First Nations members only
Clam, Butter Pacific Rim National Park Daily Limit Pieces 0 - Pacific Rim National Park (Area 23) aggregate daily limit: 8 razors, 3 geoducks, 6 horse clams, 24 littleneck or Manila clams, and 0 butter clams, and maximum aggregate of all clam species is 24.
Pacific Rim National Park Daily Limit Pieces 0 - Pacific Rim National Park aggregate daily limit: 8 razors, 3 geoducks, 6 horse clams, 24 littleneck or Manila clams, and 0 butter clams, and maximum aggregate of all clam species is 24.
Clam, Horse Pacific Rim National Park Daily Limit Pieces 6 - Pacific Rim National Park (Area 23) aggregate daily limit: 8 razors, 3 geoducks, 6 horse clams, 24 littleneck or Manila clams, and 0 butter clams, and maximum aggregate of all clam species is 24.
Pacific Rim National Park Daily Limit Pieces 6 - Pacific Rim National Park aggregate daily limit: 8 razors, 3 geoducks, 6 horse clams, 24 littleneck or Manila clams, and 0 butter clams, and maximum aggregate of all clam species is 24.
Clam, Littleneck Pacific Rim National Park Daily Limit Pieces 24 - Pacific Rim National Park (Area 23) aggregate daily limit: 8 razors, 3 geoducks, 6 horse clams, 24 littleneck or Manila clams, and 0 butter clams, and maximum aggregate of all clam species is 24.
Clam, Manila Pacific Rim National Park Daily Limit Pieces 24 - Pacific Rim National Park (Area 23) aggregate daily limit: 8 razors, 3 geoducks, 6 horse clams, 24 littleneck or Manila clams, and 0 butter clams, and maximum aggregate of all clam species is 24.
Clam, Razor Pacific Rim National Park Daily Limit Pieces 8 - Pacific Rim National Park (Area 23) aggregate daily limit: 8 razors, 3 geoducks, 6 horse clams, 24 littleneck or Manila clams, and 0 butter clams, and maximum aggregate of all clam species is 24.
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.
23,123 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.
Geoduck Pacific Rim National Park Daily Limit Pieces 3 - Pacific Rim National Park (Area 23) aggregate daily limit: 8 razors, 3 geoducks, 12 horse clams, 24 littleneck or Manila clams, and 0 butter clams, and maximum aggregate of all clam species is 24.
Mussel, Blue Pacific Rim National Park Daily Limit Pieces 12
Mussel, California Pacific Rim National Park Daily Limit Pieces 12
Mussels, All 23,123 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.
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.
Snail, Moon 23,123 Reminder Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details.

Last updated: 2023-08-16 10:47:21

Area descriptions

Closure Map Area description
23.1 Bamfield Inlet and Grappler Inlet 23.1.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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]
23.21 Snug Basin, Uchucklesit Inlet, land file #1411127 23.21.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Snug Basin, in Uchucklesit Inlet, within a distance of 125 meters from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 49°01.15' north latitude and 125°01.88' west longitude, within aquaculture tenure land file #1411127. [NAD 83]
23.22 San Mateo Bay, land file #1405569 23.22.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg 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.jpeg The intertidal foreshore of Alberni Inlet from River Point to a point 480 m south. [NAD83]
23.9 Crawford Creek, Sechart Channel 23.9.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore inside a 125 metre radius of the mouth of the creek draining Crawford Lake into Sechart Channel. [NAD83]
23-6.A 23-6.A.jpeg 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.jpeg 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: 2023-11-21 15:05:41

Area Map Area description
Coeur d'Alene Creek Coeur_d'Alene_Creek.pdf That portion of Effingham Inlet in Subarea 23-6 at the mouth of Coeur d'Alene Creek, east of a line beginning at 49°02.930' N and 125°08.302' W, then following the low water mark to 49°02.659' N and 125°08.618' W and west of a line from drawn from 49°02.758' N and 125°08.272' W due south to the opposite shoreline.
Effingham Inlet West Effingham_Inlet_West.pdf That portion of Effingham Inlet in Subarea 23-6 west of a line beginning at 49°03.043' N and 125°09.768' W then following the low water mark to 49°02.895' N and 125°09.944' W
Geer Islets Geer_Islets.pdf That portion of Subarea 23-5 surrounding the Geer Islets inside a line that starts at 48°55.828' N and 125°06.707' W, then south following the low water mark to 48°55.673' N and 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
Kookswiis (Sarita River) Kookswiis_(Sarita_River).pdf 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 and 125°00.652' W, then following the low water mark to 48°53.731' N and 125°01.278' W, then following the eastern shoreline of Santa Maria Island to 48°53.529' N and 125°01.565' W, then straight across the channel to 48°53.486' N and 125°01.486' W and bounded on the east by a line that starts at 48°54.187' N and 125°00.540' W, then to 48°54.148' N and 125°00.612' W, then to 48°54.086' N and 125°00.632' W, then to 48°54.064' N and 125°00.592' W, then to 48°54.030' N and 125°00.599' W, and then to 48°53.786' N and 125°01.034' W
Maggie River Maggie_River.png 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 and 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.
Meade Islets Meade_Islets.pdf That portion of Subarea 23-5 surrounding the Meade Islets inside a line that starts at 48¿55.650'N and 125¿07.290' W then south following the low water mark to 48¿55.423' N and 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.
Northeast Numukamis Bay Northeast_Numukamis_Bay.pdf 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 and 125°00.423' W then following the low water mark to 48°54.722' N and 125°00.468' W
Pacific Rim National Park Pacific_Rim_National_Park.pdf Pacific Rim National Park (portions of Areas 20 to 24, 121, 123 and 124). 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.
Toquart River Flats Toquart_River_Flats.png That portion of Toquart Bay in Subarea 23-10 bounded on the east by a straight line drawn from 49°02.363' N and 125°20.836' W to 49°02.321' N and 125°20.767' W, then to 49°02.250' N and 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 and 125°21.811' W to the low water mark and bounded on the northwest by a line drawn from 49°02.318' N and 125°21.438' W to 49°02.305' N and 125°21.468' W, then straight to 49°02.235' N and 125°21.468' W and then straight to 49°02.199' N and 125°21.553' W

Last updated: 2023-08-16 10:47:21

Crab

Crab

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Box and Puget Sound King crab 23,123 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Dungeness crab 23,123 165mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
King crab 23,123 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 2/4/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other crab 23,123 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Red Rock crab 23,123 115mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shore crab 23,123 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 75/150/- Open (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2023-08-16 10:45:36

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Shellfish Pacific Rim National Park Closed These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers, all year.
Crab 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 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 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.
23,123 Reminder Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 6.
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.
Coastwide Sex Restriction As per the Conditions of Licence, it is prohibited to possess female King crab
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: 2023-08-16 10:47:13

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Pacific Rim National Park Pacific_Rim_National_Park.pdf Pacific Rim National Park (portions of Areas 20 to 24, 121, 123 and 124). 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.

Last updated: 2023-08-16 10:47:13

Other invertebrates

Other invertebrates

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Abalone 23,123 0/0/0 Closed
Barnacles, Giant 23,123 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
Barnacles, Goose 23,123 Hand Picking 2kg/4kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Limpet 23,123 Hand Picking 75/150/- Open (See Restrictions)
Octopus 23,123 Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other shellfish species 23,123 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sand Dollar 23,123 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sea Cucumber 23,123 Diving, Hand Picking 12/24/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sea Urchin 23,123 Diving, Hand Picking 12/24/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shrimp, Ghost 23,123 Hand Digging, Hand Pump 50/100/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shrimp/Prawn 23,123 Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) 125/250/- Open (See Restrictions)
Squid, All other species 23,123 Cast Net, Jigging 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Squid, Opal 23,123 Cast Net, Jigging 200/400/- Open (See Restrictions)
Starfish sea star 23,123 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2023-11-27 14:25:38

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Shellfish Pacific Rim National Park Closed These waters are closed to the harvest of all marine life by divers, all year.
Shrimp/Prawn 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 Traps must be marked with floating tag or buoy that has your name on it. This includes traps tied to a boat or dock or fished from shore. If two traps are attached to one ground-line, it is sufficient to attach a tag, float or buoy that bears the operator's name to one end of the ground-line.
Reminder Combined daily limit for all shrimp species, including prawn, is 125
Shrimp/Prawn Coastwide 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 Gear Restriction Maximum 4 traps or ring nets or combination of these per fisher.
23-1 to 23-3 Season Planning Pulse Fishing Closures - In Stuart Channel (17-5, 17-6, 17-9) Saanich Inlet (19-7 to 19-12) and Alberni Inlet (23-1 to 23-3), “pulse” fishing closures are in effect to increase prawn escapement and prawn abundance. Closed September 5 to September 15, October 1 to October 15, November 1 to November 15, December 1 to December 15, and from January 1 until further notice. Please see https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/shellfish-coquillages-eng.html#prawn and the fishery notice for more information.

Last updated: 2023-09-05 15:05:22

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Pacific Rim National Park Pacific_Rim_National_Park.pdf Pacific Rim National Park (portions of Areas 20 to 24, 121, 123 and 124). 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.

Last updated: 2023-09-05 15:05:22

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 Area of Interest Offshore Pacific Seamounts and Vents

Last updated: 2023-08-16 10:47:14

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Broken Islands Group Broken_Islands_Group.png 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.png 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.
Offshore Pacific Seamounts and Vents Offshore_Pacific_Seamounts_and_Vents.jpeg The waters in Subareas 123-9, 124-1, 124-2, 125-6, 126-3, 126-4, 127-2, 127-4, and 130-1 inside an area bounded by a series of rhumb lines that: begin at, 46°48'50"N 129°43'49"W [on the boundary of the EEZ*, Subarea 125-6] then to, 46°57'56"N 129°35'21"W then to, 47°20'47"N 129°35'07"W then to, 47°58'28"N 129°20'36"W then to, 47°38'29"N 130°11'09"W then to, 47°55'46"N 130°40'55"W then to, 48°27'07"N 130°28'55"W then to, 49°04'14"N 131°23'35"W then to, 48°46'44"N 132°28'38"W then to, 49°11'35"N 132°52'15"W then to, 49°33'55"N 133°09'51"W then to, 49°31'16"N 133°47'59"W then to, 49°57'44"N 134°03'07"W then to, 50°05'02"N 133°40'17"W then to, 50°06'40"N 133°27'16"W then to, 50°05'04"N 131°55'58"W then to, 50°26'52"N 132°00'12"W then to, 50°38'19"N 131°20'40"W then to, 51°03'52"N 130°30'22"W then to, 50°46'07"N 130°04'35"W then to, 50°24'19"N 130°00'37"W then to, 50°13'53"N 129°30'03"W then to, 49°37'42"N 129°58'56"W then to, 48°39'08"N 128°24'12"W then to, 47°38'10"N 127°08'52"W [on the boundary of the EEZ*, Subarea 123-9] then following the EEZ* to 47°10'18"N 128°02'44"W [on the boundary of the EEZ*, Subarea 124-1] then to, 47°46'08"N 128°44'28"W then to, 47°46'26"N 128°44'50"W then to, 47°03'55"N 129°01'51"W then to, 46°42'15"N 129°01'06"W [on the boundary of the EEZ*, Subarea 124-2] then following the EEZ* back to the point of commencement. *EEZ: the limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone [Closure of fishing areas for seamounts and hydrothermal vents in the Pacific]
Upper Alberni Harbour / Hoik Island / Somass Upper Alberni Harbour / Hoik Island / Somass

Last updated: 2023-08-16 10:47:14

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