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
- Make sure you have a current BC Tidal Waters sport fishing licence with you at all times. Are you using using the FishingBC App for electronic licensing and catch recording? Learn more.
- Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
- Check the species regulations tables for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
- Check the restrictions tables for special exceptions and more detailed regulations. Make sure you know the:
- (d) Daily limit: The maximum number of a given fish species that a person is allowed to keep in one day.
- (p) Possession limit: The maximum number of fish you can have in your possession at any given time, except for what is at your ordinary residence.
- (a) Annual limit: The total amount of fish of a certain species that may be caught and retained during the course of a fishing year which starts on April 1 and ends the following March 31.
- Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
- Unless otherwise specified, fishing opportunities and closures end at 23:59 hrs on the close-date shown.
Related links
Area map
Area maps
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 on your paper licence, your NRLS catch log or the FishingBC app catch log.
- Learn more about fishing for salmon
Maps
- Areas 23 and 123 - Barkley Sound and Alberni Inlet: Chinook salmon openings and other management measures
- Areas 23 and 123 - Barkley Sound and Alberni Inlet: Coho salmon openings and other management measures
- Areas 23 and 123 - Barkley Sound and Alberni Inlet and Region 1: Sockeye salmon openings and other management measures
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 | 123 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| 23 | -/-/- | Non-retention (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 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2024-10-12 00:15:58
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Uchucklesit and Alberni Inlet | Closed | Closed to fishing for finfish from June 30 to October 31. |
| Tidal portion of the Somass River and Estuary | Time of Day Restrictions | Night-time Restriction | |
| Somass River - Clutesi Marina | Closed | ||
| McCoy Creek Mouth | Closed | ||
| 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. 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. |
| 23,123 | 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. |
| Sockeye salmon | San Mateo Bay and the entrance to Alberni Inlet | Non Retention |
Last updated: 2024-10-03 12:10:23
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| McCoy Creek Mouth | McCoy_Creek_Mouth.jpeg | that portion of Subarea 23-1 in the Somass River from the upstream entrance to McCoy Pool downstream to the Highway 4 bridge crossing. |
| 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. |
| San Mateo Bay and the entrance to Alberni Inlet | San_Mateo_Bay_and_the_entrance_to_Alberni_Inlet.jpeg | that portion of Subarea 23-4 east of a line drawn from the light at Chup Point to the light on Assits Island and then to a point on the Vancouver Island shoreline at 48°56.199’N and 125°01.705’W, and that portion of Subarea 23-3 south of a line drawn from the light at Chup Point easterly to Hissin Point at 48°57.453’N and 124°59.325’W. A square boundary sign may be present to delineate the boundary at Hissin Point. |
| Somass River - Clutesi Marina | That portion of subarea 23-1 in the Somass River from a line drawn perpendicular to the flow of the river to both shore lines, which passes through the green can buoy at the entrance to the Clutesi Marina boat ramp, then downstream to a line drawn parallel with the power lines in the lower Somass River near the pulp mill. | |
| Tidal portion of the Somass River and Estuary | 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) | |
| Uchucklesit and Alberni Inlet | Uchucklesit_and_Alberni_Inlet.png | Uchucklesit / Alberni Inlet - That portion of subarea 23-2 south of a line drawn from the light at Bilton Point easterly to a point near Coleman Creek at 49°00.341’N and 124°51.513’W, and that portion of subarea 23-3 north of a line drawn from the light at Chup Point easterly to Hissin Point at 48°57.453’N and 124°59.325’W. Square boundary signs may be present to delineate the boundaries at Coleman Creek and Hissin Point. |
Last updated: 2024-10-03 12:10:23
Other finfish
Finfish other than salmon
- You must immediately and permanently record all retained halibut on your paper licence, your NRLS catch log or the FishingBC app catch log.
- 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 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Lingcod | 23,123 | 65cm | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open until Nov 15 (See Restrictions) |
| Perch | 23,123 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, All species combined | 23,123 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open until Nov 15 (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, Yelloweye | 23,123 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention until Nov 15 (See Restrictions) | |
| 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 excluding dogfish | 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: 2024-10-09 00:08:49
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Uchucklesit and Alberni Inlet | Closed | Closed to fishing for finfish from June 30 to October 31. |
| Pacific Rim National Park | Closed | Finfish closure - Closed to spear fishing while diving. | |
| McCoy Creek Mouth | Closed | ||
| Somass River - Clutesi Marina | Closed | ||
| Tidal portion of the Somass River and Estuary | Time of Day Restrictions | Night-time Restriction | |
| 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 | Coastwide | Reminder | Species includes: Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod. |
| Halibut | Coastwide | Reminder | As a Condition of Licence, the possession limit for halibut is EITHER of: one (1) halibut measuring 85 cm to 126 cm in length (65 cm to 97 cm head-off), OR two (2) halibut, each measuring under 85 cm in length (65 cm head-off). No person shall retain a halibut greater than 126 cm head-on length (97 cm head-off). Head-off measurements are made from the base of the pectoral fin at its most forward point to the extreme end of the middle of the tail. |
| Coastwide | Maximum Length Head On (cm) | 126 cm - The maximum overall length for halibut is 126 cm head-on, or 97 cm head-off. | |
| 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). | |
| 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 | Coastwide | Reminder | Includes kelp, shiner and pile perch, and all species of surf and sea perch. |
| Rockfish, All species combined | Coastwide | Reminder | Rockfish - Anglers in vessels shall immediately return all rockfish that are not being retained to the water and to a similar depth from which they were caught by use of an inverted weighted barbless hook or other purpose-built descender device. |
| Coastwide | Season Planning | For planning purposes only: for in-season requirements, please see current regulations/restrictions for specific areas, gear and individual species limits, and closures/exceptions. INSIDE WATERS - Generally open May 1 to September 30, for Areas 13 to 19 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48, 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5. Closed year round - Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17. OUTSIDE WATERS - Generally Open April 1 to November 15, for Areas 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130, 142, 11, 21 to 27, 111, 123 to 127, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4, and Area 121 (portion). | |
| 23,123 | Daily Limit Pieces | 3 - daily limit of 3 Rockfish per day, of which only 1 may be a China Rockfish or a 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. |
| 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: 2024-10-03 12:10:21
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| McCoy Creek Mouth | McCoy_Creek_Mouth.jpeg | that portion of Subarea 23-1 in the Somass River from the upstream entrance to McCoy Pool downstream to the Highway 4 bridge crossing. |
| 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. |
| Somass River - Clutesi Marina | That portion of subarea 23-1 in the Somass River from a line drawn perpendicular to the flow of the river to both shore lines, which passes through the green can buoy at the entrance to the Clutesi Marina boat ramp, then downstream to a line drawn parallel with the power lines in the lower Somass River near the pulp mill. | |
| Tidal portion of the Somass River and Estuary | 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) | |
| Uchucklesit and Alberni Inlet | Uchucklesit_and_Alberni_Inlet.png | Uchucklesit / Alberni Inlet - That portion of subarea 23-2 south of a line drawn from the light at Bilton Point easterly to a point near Coleman Creek at 49°00.341’N and 124°51.513’W, and that portion of subarea 23-3 north of a line drawn from the light at Chup Point easterly to Hissin Point at 48°57.453’N and 124°59.325’W. Square boundary signs may be present to delineate the boundaries at Coleman Creek and Hissin Point. |
Last updated: 2024-10-03 12:10:21
Bivalve shellfish and snails
Bivalve shellfish and snails
Eating contaminated shellfish can be life threatening. Closures change frequently throughout the year. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from closed or contaminated areas.
Bivalve shellfish have 2 hinged shells. Because they feed by filtering microscopic plankton from the water, changes in water quality can cause unsafe marine biotoxins, bacteria, or viruses to build up in their tissue.
Snails refers to all snails, whelks, tritons and periwinkles with the exception of Moon Snails. Snails and moon snails can accumulate toxins and pollutants. We recommend that they not be harvested from areas shown as closed in the table below.
Learn more about shellfish harvesting.
How to follow the rules
- Check for contamination in the subarea where you plan to harvest.
- If no contamination closures are in effect, check species regulations and additional harvest restrictions.
- Littleneck, Manila and butter clams are subject to a minimum size limit. See below under restrictions for more information on clam size limits.
- Questions? Email us at DFO.PACCSSP-PCAMPAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Bivalve shellfish contamination closures
Planned bivalve shellfish harvesting closures
Look at the first column below to see which species are safe to harvest. If there is information in the second column, it is illegal and unsafe to harvest any bivalve species in those areas.
| Subarea | Marine biotoxin update (open bivalve species) | Sanitary contamination closures (closed to shellfish harvesting) |
|---|---|---|
| 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, Butter;Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific | |
| 23-5 | Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific | |
| 23-6 | ||
| 23-7 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 23-8 | Clam, Littleneck;Clam, Manila;Mussels, All;Oyster, Pacific | |
| 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: 2024-09-27 10:50:21
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: 2024-04-01 06:21:25
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 | Clams: No person shall retain a Manila Clam or Littleneck Clam smaller than 35 mm, nor a Butter Clam smaller than 55 mm. |
| Coastwide | Reminder | Because of the risk of contamination, you are not allowed to harvest bivalve shellfish (for any purpose) within: (1) 300 metres around industrial, municipal and sewage treatment plant outfall discharges (2) 125 metres around a marina, ferry wharf, floating living accommodation, or any finfish net pen (exceptions described as follows) (3) 25 meters around any floating living accommodation facility located within a shellfish aquaculture tenure where a zero-discharge and appropriate waste management plan is a condition of the Aquaculture Licence and is approved by the Regional Interdepartmental Committee (4) 0 meters of any finfish net pen within an aquaculture tenure where an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture Management Plan approved by the Regional Interdepartmental Committee is in operation. | |
| 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 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 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: 2024-04-01 06:21:11
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] |
| 23.22 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: 2024-09-27 10:50:21
| 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: 2024-04-01 06:21:11
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 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2024-08-30 11:18:26
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 | Trap Identification - Traps must be marked with a tag, float or buoy that has your name and telephone number on it. This includes traps tied to a boat or dock or fished from shore. If two traps are attached to one ground-line, it is sufficient to attach a tag, float or buoy that bears the operator's name and telephone number to one end of the ground-line. |
| Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Crab traps are required to have two unobstructed circular escape holes or rings, measuring a minimum of 105 mm in diameter | |
| Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Crab, Prawn and Shrimp Floats - The primary float attached to crab traps must be cylindrical in shape (includes bullet shaped) and a minimum of 27 cm in length and 12 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than spherical. The primary float attached to prawn and shrimp traps must be spherical in shape and a minimum of 27 cm in diameter; an optional secondary float may be used of any shape or size other than cylindrical. Floats must be made of a durable material and suitable for operation in marine waters; floats/materials not suitable for use in marine waters are prohibited. | |
| Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Rot Cord - All crab traps must have a section in the top or sidewall that has been secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 (approximately 5 mm or 3/16 inch diameter). This twine is often referred to as rot cord. On deterioration this must produce a rectangular opening with a minimum size of 7 cm x 20 cm, or a square opening with a minimum size of 11 cm x 11 cm. This regulation is intended to ensure that if the trap is lost, the section secured by the cord will rot, allowing captive crabs to escape, and preventing the trap from continuing to fish. On traps with a rigid frame and a freely opening hinged lid the trap lid must be secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 so that the trap lid will open freely when the rot cord is broken. No other fastenings may impede the hinged lid of the trap from opening. | |
| Coastwide | Gear Restriction | A line or rope attached to a trap must be submerged in such a manner that the line or rope does not come into contact with a person or a boat. | |
| Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Gear Permitted Maximum of 2 ring nets, dip nets or traps or combination of these per fisher. Ensure gear is properly marked. Hand picking is permitted including by diving. No sharp-pointed instruments are permitted for harvesting crab. It is illegal to use snares in catching or attempting to catch crabs. | |
| Reminder | Keep navigation channels clear of buoys and lines. Any fishing gear that interferes with safe navigation can be removed under the Navigation Protection Act. | ||
| Crab | 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 | Sex Restriction | It is prohibited to possess female King crab |
| Coastwide | Packaging and Transporting | In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of King crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed. | |
| Dungeness crab | Coastwide | Packaging and Transporting | In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Dungeness crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed. |
| Sex Restriction | It is prohibited to possess female Dungeness crab | ||
| Red Rock crab | Coastwide | Packaging and Transporting | In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Red Rock crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed. |
| Sex Restriction | It is prohibited to possess female Red Rock crab |
Last updated: 2024-08-30 11:19:22
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: 2024-08-30 11:19:22
Other invertebrates
Other invertebrates
- Basic information about shellfish harvesting
- Seasonal recreational harvesting closures for prawn and shrimp
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abalone | 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 | 23-4 to 23-11,123 | Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) | 125/250/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| 23-1 to 23-3 | Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) | -/-/- | Closed until Oct 16 | |
| 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: 2024-10-01 03:21:33
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. |
| Other Invertebrates | Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Rot Cord - All open mesh octopus traps and shrimp/prawn traps must have a section in the top or sidewall that has been secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 (approximately 5 mm or 3/16 inch diameter). This twine is often referred to as rot cord. On deterioration this must produce a rectangular opening with a minimum size of 7 cm x 20 cm, or a square opening with a minimum size of 11 cm x 11 cm. This regulation is intended to ensure that if the trap is lost, the section secured by the cord will rot, allowing captive crabs to escape, and preventing the trap from continuing to fish. On traps with a rigid frame and a freely opening hinged lid the trap lid must be secured by a single length of untreated cotton twine no greater than No. 120 so that the trap lid will open freely when the rot cord is broken. No other fastenings may impede the hinged lid of the trap from opening. |
| Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Trap Identification - Traps must be marked with a tag, float or buoy that has your name and telephone number on it. This includes traps tied to a boat or dock or fished from shore. If two traps are attached to one ground-line, it is sufficient to attach a tag, float or buoy that bears the operator's name and telephone number to one end of the ground-line. | |
| Reminder | Combined daily limit for all shrimp species, including prawn, is 125 | ||
| Other Invertebrates | Coastwide | Gear Restriction | A line or rope attached to a trap must be submerged in such a manner that the line or rope does not come into contact with a person or a boat. |
| Octopus | Coastwide | Gear Restriction | The use of sharp pointed instruments or chemicals is prohibited. |
| Shrimp/Prawn | Coastwide | Gear Restriction | Maximum 4 traps or ring nets or combination of these per fisher. |
| Coastwide | 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 | 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. | |
| 23-1 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 3 to September 15, October 1 to October 15, November 1 to November 15, December 1 to December 15. Closures from January to March, depending on results from fishery independent index surveys, will be announced through a fishery notice issued in late November or early December. 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: 2024-08-30 11:26:19
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: 2024-08-30 11:26:19
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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