BC tidal area 25 and 125 - Nootka Sound, Esperanza Inlet: 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:
- 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 commences 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.
Helpful resources:
Area map
Area maps
For a written description of Areas please see the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations 2007.
Area 25: Download a printable PDF version of this map.
Area 125: Download a printable PDF version of this map.
Click thumbnail to enlarge image.
Salmon
Salmon
- Learn more about fishing for salmon
- Areas 25 and 125, Esperanza Inlet and Nootka Sound, 2023 Chinook openings and other closures July 15 to December 31
- Area 25 and 125, Nootka Sound, 2023 Coho openings and other closures
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon | 25 | 45cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/10 | Open (See Restrictions) |
| 125 | 45cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/10 | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Chum salmon | 25-1 to 25-8,25-15 | -/-/- | Non-retention until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | ||
| 25-9 to 25-14,25-16 | -/-/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |||
| 125 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | 25 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/- | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) |
| 25-4,25-5 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| Coho salmon (hatchery) | 125 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/- | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) |
| Coho salmon (wild) | 125 | Barbless Hook & Line | -/-/- | Non-retention until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| 25 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/- | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| Pink salmon | 25 | -/-/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| 125 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sockeye salmon | 25,125 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2023-10-01 02:45:19
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Matchlee Bay | Closed | Annual finfish closure from July 15 to October 15 inclusive. |
| Outer Nootka Island closures | Closed | Annual finfish closure from July 15 to October 15 inclusive. | |
| Nootka/Esperanza Closures | Closed | Annual finfish closure from July 15 to Oct 15 inclusive. | |
| 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: 2023-10-01 02:45:20
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Matchlee Bay | Matchlee Bay southerly of a line drawn from a point at 49° 36.971'N 126 ° 03.560'W to a point located north of Matchlee Creek at 49 ° 37.129'N 126 ° 03.006'W. | |
| Nootka/Esperanza Closures | - That portion of Subarea 25-1 located westerly of a line drawn from a point located at 49 degrees 40.264°N and 126 degrees 10.955°W near McCurdy Creek across Muchalat Inlet to the light on Victor Island then to a point located at 49 degrees 39.496°N and 126 degrees 08.581°W. - That portion of Subarea 25-1 located northerly of a line drawn from a point at 49 degrees 40.500°N and 126 degrees 07.654°W at the green flashing light to a point located on the opposite side of the Gold River located at 49 degrees 40.694°N and 126 degrees 06.377°W. -Subareas 25-2 and 25-3. - That portion of Subarea 25-4 located southerly of a line drawn from a point located at 49 degrees 39.752°N and 126 degrees 28.795°W located on Concepcion Point across Hanna Channel to a point located at 49 degrees 40.175°N and 126 degrees 28.161°W. -That portion of Subarea 25-4 inside Hisnit Inlet northwesterly of a line beginning at 49 ° 43.903'N and 126 ° 29.639'W, then drawn southwesterly across the inlet to a point located at 49 ° 43.680'N and 126 ° 30.322'W. -That portion of Subarea 25-5 inside Nesook Bay easterly of a line beginning at 49 ° 46.205'N and 126 ° 24.997'W, then drawn southerly across the bay to a point located at 49 ° 45.594'N and 126 ° 25.018'W. -That portion of Subarea 25-5 northwesterly of a line drawn between square white fishing boundary signs on the opposite sides of the entrance to Head Bay. -That portion of Subarea 25-8, Tahsis Inlet, north of a line beginning at the northeastern tip of Strange Island located at 49 ° 43.314'N and 126 ° 37.486'W, then drawn easterly across the inlet to a point located at 49 ° 43.315'N and 126 ° 36.817'W. -Subareas 25-9, 25-10, 25-11, and 25-12. - Subarea 25-14 - That portion of Subarea 25-15 located easterly of a line drawn from a point located at 49° 38.640°N and 126° 29.877°W across Zuciarte Channel to a point located at 49° 38.319°N and 126° 28.867°W. - Subarea 25-16 | |
| Outer Nootka Island closures | That portion of Subareas 25-13, 125-1, 125-2 and 125-3 shoreward of a line drawn from Belmont Point located at 49 degrees 47.528'N and 126 degrees 55.605'W to a point located at 49 degrees 44.965'N and 127 degrees 01.823'W (located approximately 1.9 nautical miles west of Ferrer Point), then southeasterly approximately 13 nautical miles to a point located at 49 degrees 37.900'N and 126 degrees 52.600'W, then southwesterly to a point at 49 degrees 33.500'N and 126 degrees 52.600'W, then to the Red Can Buoy located at 49 degrees 33.806'N and 126 degrees 49.976'W then to a point located approximately 2 nautical miles east at 49 degrees 34.125'N and 126 degrees 46.942'W, then to the Nootka Island shoreline at a point located near Beano Creek at 49 degrees 36.341'N and 126 degrees 45.141'W. The Bajo Reef RCA is located adjacent to this closed area. - - That portion of Subareas 25-7, 125-1 and 125-2 inside a line beginning at a point on Vancouver Island at 49 degrees 33.445'N and 126 degrees 33.845'W (north of Escalante Point), then westerly to a point approximately 1 nautical mile offshore located at 49 degrees 33.445'N and 126 degrees 35.967'W, then southerly approximately 8.8 nautical miles to a point intersecting the Estevan Point RCA boundary located at 49 degrees 24.688'N and 126 degrees 35.593'W, then to a point on Vancouver Island (on Hesquiat Peninsula) at 49 degrees 25.067'N and 126 degrees 34.598'W. |
Last updated: 2023-10-01 02:45:20
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 | 25,125 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Eulachon | 25,125 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Mackerel | 25,125 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line | 100/200/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Northern anchovy | 25,125 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Other finfish species | 25,125 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Pacific sand lance | 25,125 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 5kg/10kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Pacific sardine | 25,125 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 100/200/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Surf smelt | 25,125 | Dip Net, Gill Net | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Tuna, Albacore | 25,125 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Tuna, All other species | 25,125 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Codfish | 25,125 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Greenling | 25,125 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Halibut | 25,125 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 2/2/10 | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| 25,125 | 0/0/0 | Closed until | |||
| Lingcod | 25,125 | 65cm | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open until Nov 15 (See Restrictions) |
| Perch | 25,125 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, All species combined | 25,125 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open until Nov 15 (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, Yelloweye | 25,125 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention until Nov 15 (See Restrictions) | |
| Sablefish | 25,125 | Hook and Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sculpin | 25,125 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark, All other species | 25,125 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark, Basking | 25,125 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Blue | 25,125 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Bluntnose | 25,125 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Brown Cat | 25,125 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Great White | 25,125 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Salmon | 25,125 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark, Sixgill | 25,125 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Shark, Tope | 25,125 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Skate | 25,125 | Hook and Line | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sole/Flounder | 25,125 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Spiny dogfish | 25,125 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sturgeon | 25,125 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Trout (hatchery) | 25,125 | 30cm | Hook and Line | 2/4/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Trout (wild) | 25,125 | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Wolf eel | 25,125 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2023-10-01 00:08:39
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | Matchlee Bay | Closed | Annual finfish closure from July 15 to October 15 inclusive. |
| Outer Nootka Island closures | Closed | Annual finfish closure from July 15 to October 15 inclusive. | |
| Nootka/Esperanza Closures | Closed | Annual finfish closure from July 15 to Oct 15 inclusive. | |
| Herring | 25,125 | 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 | 25,125 | Reminder | Species includes: Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod. |
| Halibut | Coastwide | Closed | Recreational halibut fishing closes Coastwide as of midnight September 30. |
| Coastwide | Season Planning | Halibut: The recreational halibut fishery continues April 1, 2023 under the 2023/24 Conditions of Licence, and is expected to continue until December 31 2023. Non-residents of Canada wishing to fish and retain halibut in Areas 121, 23 and 123, must obtain their licence from a licence vendor in Canada - view: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/licence-permis/iap-fai-eng.html; that is, a licence purchased directly over the internet by a non-resident is not valid for halibut fishing in these areas. | |
| Coastwide | Reminder | The daily and possession limit for halibut is EITHER of: one (1) halibut measuring 90 cm to 126 cm in length (69 cm to 97 cm head-off), OR two (2) halibut, each measuring under 90 cm in length (69 cm head-off). 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. | |
| 25,125 | Maximum Length Head On (cm) | 126 cm The maximum overall length for halibut is 126 cm head-on, or 97 cm head-off. | |
| Lingcod | Coastwide | Season Planning | For planning purposes only - for in-season requirements, please see current regulations/restrictions for specific areas, gear and individual species limits, and closures/exceptions. INSIDE WATERS - Generally open May 1 to September 30, for Areas 13 to 19 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48, 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5. Closed year round - Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17. OUTSIDE WATERS - Generally Open April 1 to November 15, for Areas 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130, 142, 11, 21 to 27, 111, 123 to 127, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4, and Area 121 (portion). |
| 25,125 | Reminder | Lingcod: Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.) | |
| Perch | 25,125 | 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). | |
| 25,125 | 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. |
| 25,125 | Combined Daily Limit Pieces | 2 The aggregate recreational daily limit for wild and hatchery trout combined is two (2). |
Last updated: 2023-10-01 00:05:09
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Matchlee Bay | Matchlee Bay southerly of a line drawn from a point at 49° 36.971'N 126 ° 03.560'W to a point located north of Matchlee Creek at 49 ° 37.129'N 126 ° 03.006'W. | |
| Nootka/Esperanza Closures | - That portion of Subarea 25-1 located westerly of a line drawn from a point located at 49 degrees 40.264°N and 126 degrees 10.955°W near McCurdy Creek across Muchalat Inlet to the light on Victor Island then to a point located at 49 degrees 39.496°N and 126 degrees 08.581°W. - That portion of Subarea 25-1 located northerly of a line drawn from a point at 49 degrees 40.500°N and 126 degrees 07.654°W at the green flashing light to a point located on the opposite side of the Gold River located at 49 degrees 40.694°N and 126 degrees 06.377°W. -Subareas 25-2 and 25-3. - That portion of Subarea 25-4 located southerly of a line drawn from a point located at 49 degrees 39.752°N and 126 degrees 28.795°W located on Concepcion Point across Hanna Channel to a point located at 49 degrees 40.175°N and 126 degrees 28.161°W. -That portion of Subarea 25-4 inside Hisnit Inlet northwesterly of a line beginning at 49 ° 43.903'N and 126 ° 29.639'W, then drawn southwesterly across the inlet to a point located at 49 ° 43.680'N and 126 ° 30.322'W. -That portion of Subarea 25-5 inside Nesook Bay easterly of a line beginning at 49 ° 46.205'N and 126 ° 24.997'W, then drawn southerly across the bay to a point located at 49 ° 45.594'N and 126 ° 25.018'W. -That portion of Subarea 25-5 northwesterly of a line drawn between square white fishing boundary signs on the opposite sides of the entrance to Head Bay. -That portion of Subarea 25-8, Tahsis Inlet, north of a line beginning at the northeastern tip of Strange Island located at 49 ° 43.314'N and 126 ° 37.486'W, then drawn easterly across the inlet to a point located at 49 ° 43.315'N and 126 ° 36.817'W. -Subareas 25-9, 25-10, 25-11, and 25-12. - Subarea 25-14 - That portion of Subarea 25-15 located easterly of a line drawn from a point located at 49° 38.640°N and 126° 29.877°W across Zuciarte Channel to a point located at 49° 38.319°N and 126° 28.867°W. - Subarea 25-16 | |
| Outer Nootka Island closures | That portion of Subareas 25-13, 125-1, 125-2 and 125-3 shoreward of a line drawn from Belmont Point located at 49 degrees 47.528'N and 126 degrees 55.605'W to a point located at 49 degrees 44.965'N and 127 degrees 01.823'W (located approximately 1.9 nautical miles west of Ferrer Point), then southeasterly approximately 13 nautical miles to a point located at 49 degrees 37.900'N and 126 degrees 52.600'W, then southwesterly to a point at 49 degrees 33.500'N and 126 degrees 52.600'W, then to the Red Can Buoy located at 49 degrees 33.806'N and 126 degrees 49.976'W then to a point located approximately 2 nautical miles east at 49 degrees 34.125'N and 126 degrees 46.942'W, then to the Nootka Island shoreline at a point located near Beano Creek at 49 degrees 36.341'N and 126 degrees 45.141'W. The Bajo Reef RCA is located adjacent to this closed area. - - That portion of Subareas 25-7, 125-1 and 125-2 inside a line beginning at a point on Vancouver Island at 49 degrees 33.445'N and 126 degrees 33.845'W (north of Escalante Point), then westerly to a point approximately 1 nautical mile offshore located at 49 degrees 33.445'N and 126 degrees 35.967'W, then southerly approximately 8.8 nautical miles to a point intersecting the Estevan Point RCA boundary located at 49 degrees 24.688'N and 126 degrees 35.593'W, then to a point on Vancouver Island (on Hesquiat Peninsula) at 49 degrees 25.067'N and 126 degrees 34.598'W. |
Last updated: 2023-10-01 00:05:09
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) |
|---|---|---|
| 25-1 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-2 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-3 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-4 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-5 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-6 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-7 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-8 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-9 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-10 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-11 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-12 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-13 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-14 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-15 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 25-16 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 125-1 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 125-2 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 125-3 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 125-4 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 125-5 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 125-6 | Closed to All Bivalve Species |
Last updated: 2023-10-01 00:34:42
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clam, Butter | 25 | Hand Digging | 20/40/- |
| Clam, Horse | 25 | Hand Digging | 6/12/- |
| Clam, Littleneck | 25 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Clam, Manila | 25 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Clam, Razor | 25 | Hand Digging | 12/24/- |
| Clam, Softshell | 25 | Hand Digging | 25/50/- |
| Clam, Varnish | 25 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Clams, All | 25 | Hand Digging | 60/120/- |
| Cockles | 25,125 | Hand Digging | 25/50/- |
| Geoduck | 25 | Hand Digging, Hand Picking | 3/6/- |
| Mussel, Blue | 25 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
| Mussel, California | 25 | Hand Picking | 25/50/- |
| Oyster, Olympia | 25,125 | 0/0/0 | |
| Oyster, Pacific | 25,125 | Hand Picking | 12/24/- |
| Scallop, Pink and Spiny | 25,125 | Diving, Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
| Scallop, Rock | 25,125 | Diving, Hand Picking | 6/12/- |
| Scallop, Weathervane | 25,125 | Diving, Hand Picking | 6/12/- |
| Snail, Moon | 25,125 | Hand Picking | 2/4/- |
| Snail, Other | 25,125 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
Last updated: 2023-04-11 11:37:54
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |
| 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. |
| 25,125 | Gear Restriction | It is illegal to use any mechanical apparatus or dredge for harvesting clams. | |
| Reminder | Clam harvesters are encouraged to fill in holes to reduce predation on exposed juvenile clams. | ||
| Mussels, All | 25,125 | 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. |
| 25,125 | 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 | 25,125 | Reminder | Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details. |
Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:01:52
Area descriptions
| Closure | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| 25.1 Friendly Cove, Nootka Island | 25.1.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Friendly Cove, lying inside a line drawn from the westernmost tip of the unnamed island north of San Rafael Island at 49°35.63' north latitude and 126°36.92' west longitude, and thence due north to a point on land on Nootka Island at 49°35.81' north latitude and 126°36.92' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.12 Queen Cove | 25.12.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the head of Queen Cove, from a point on land on the east side of the cove at 49°52.44' north latitude and 126°58.89' west longitude, thence in a straight line northwesterly to a point on land on the west side of the cove at 49°52.58' north latitude and 126°59.17' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.15 Ceepeecee | 25.15.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore at Ceepeecee, Esperanza Inlet, northerly of a straight line drawn from a point of land at 49°52.37' north latitude and 126°43.00' west longitude thence southeasterly to a point on land at 49°52.32' north latitude and 126°42.68' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.16 Esperanza | 25.16.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the community of Esperanza, Esperanza Inlet, within a 300 m radius of a point at the mouth of Cover Creek located at 49°52.30' north latitude and 126°44.59' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.19 Allman Lagoon | 25.19.jpeg | The intertidal foreshore surrounding the unnamed group of islands south of the entrance to Allman Lagoon. The group of islands is 67 meters in height, and is centered at 49°42.10' north latitude and 126°31.78' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.20 Valdes Bay | 25.20.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Valdes Bay, east of a line drawn from a point of land at 49°43.80' north latitude and 126°29.32' west longitude northwesterly to a point of land at 49°43.91' north latitude and 126°29.45' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.21 Jewitt Cove | 25.21.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Jewitt Cove, Strange Island, south of a line drawn from a point of land at 49°41.52' north latitude and 126°36.10' west longitude true west to a point on land at 49°41.52' north latitude and 126°36.20' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.22 Galiano Bay | 25.22.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Galiano Bay, southeast of a line drawn from a point of land at 49°43.14' north latitude and 126°28.00' west longitude southwesterly to a point of land at 49°42.75' north latitude and 126°28.69' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.25 Bligh Island, land file #1408086 | 25.25.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Bligh Island, within a distance of 25 meters from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 49°39.34' north latitude and 126°32.60' west longitude, within aquaculture tenure land file #1408086. [NAD 83] |
| 25.26 Plumper Harbour | 25.26.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Plumper Harbour, Kendrick Inlet, within a distance of 125 meters from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 49°41.64' north latitude and 126°38.12' west longitude, adjacent to aquaculture tenure land file #1406265. [NAD83] |
| 25.28 Plumper Harbour, Nootka Island | 25.28.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the southern end of Plumper Harbour on Nootka Island, lying within a distance of 240 m of the head of the unnamed cove located at 49°41.37' north latitude and 126°37.78' west longitude. The radius intersects the Nootka Island shore at 49°41.43' north latitude and 126°37.96' west longitude and 49°41.43' north latitude and 126°37.61' west longitude and the Funter Island Shore at 49°41.50' north latitude and 126°37.78' west longitude and 49°41.48' north latitude and 126°37.67' west longitude. [NAD 83] |
| 25.29 Marvinas Bay, Nootka Island | 25.29.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore in Marvinas Bay, Nootka Island, within a distance of 125 m from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 49°39.71' north latitude and 126°37.44' west longitude. [NAD 83] |
| 25.3 Kendrick Inlet, Nootka Island | 25.3.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Kendrick Inlet, Nootka Island, within a 300 meter radius of the logging camp dock at 49°43.40' north latitude and 126°38.99' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.30 Northwest side of Bligh Island | 25.30.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore in the bay on the northwest side of Bligh Island inside a line from a point of land on Bligh Island at 49°39.86' north latitude and 126°31.90' west longitude southwesterly to the northernmost point on the unnamed islet at 49°39.82' north latitude and 126°32.00' west longitude, thence following the eastern shoreline to the southwesternmost point of the islet at 49°39.77' north latitude and 126°32.04' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point of land at 49°39.72' north latitude and 126°31.98' west longitude on Bligh Island, and thence following the shoreline to the point of commencement. [NAD 83] |
| 25.32 Head Bay, Tlupana Inlet | 25.32.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore in Head Bay, Tlupana Inlet, within a distance of 125 m from the foot of the Canton Creek Lodge dock located at 49°47.78' north latitude and 126°28.88' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.33 Moutcha Bay, Tlupana Inlet | 25.33.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore surrounding the Moutcha Bay Lodge site in Tlupana Inlet, lying inside a line drawn in a 125 m radius from any point on the perimeter of the infrastructure encompassing the dock, sewage outfall pipe, and fish holding pens at the Conuma hatchery docks. The closure commences from a point on land in the west at 49°47.31' north latitude and 126°27.83' west longitude, ending at a point on land in the east at 49°47.36' north latitude and 126°27.30' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.34 Moutcha Bay, Tlupana Inlet | 25.34.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Moutcha Bay, Tlupana Inlet, inside a line drawn from the point on land located at 49°47.40' north latitude and 126°27.07' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point on land located at 49°47.09' north latitude and 126°26.79' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.35 Newton Cove, Espinosa Inlet | 25.35.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Newton Cove, on the southwest side of Espinosa Inlet, within a distance of 500 m from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 49°52.45' north latitude and 126°56.58' west longitude. [NAD 83] |
| 25.42 Unnamed Bay, west side of Head Bay | 25.42.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the small bay at the west side of Head Bay, from a point on land at 49°47.47' north latitude and 126°29.45' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point on land at 49°47.27' north latitude and 126°29.33' west longitude.' [NAD 83] |
| 25.43 Head of Tahsis Inlet | 25.43.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the head of Tahsis Inlet, inside a line drawn from a point of land at 49°54.60' north latitude and 126°38.96' west longitude thence southwesterly to a point of land at 49°54.32' north latitude and 126°39.79' west longitude. [NAD 83] |
| 25.44 - Head of Port Eliza | 25.44.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the head of Port Eliza, northwest of a line drawn from a point of land at 49°56.27' north latitude and 127°03.04' west longitude easterly to a point on land at 49°56.42' north latitude and 127°02.57' west longitude. [NAD 83] |
| 25.5 Inner Basin, Nootka Island | 25.5.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the head of Inner Basin, Nootka Island lying inside a line drawn from the headland on the north side at 49°48.10' north latitude and 126°47.06' west longitude, thence south to a point on land at 49°47.76' north latitude and 126°47.06' west longitude. [NAD 27] |
| 25.6 Port Eliza, Esperanza Inlet | 25.6.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore at the mouth of the unnamed creek on the west side of Port Eliza, inside a line drawn from a point of land at 49°56.08' north latitude and 127°02.85' west longitude, thence southerly following the low water mark to a point on land at 49°55.87' north latitude and 127°02.76' west longitude. [NAD 83] |
| 25.7 Three Cove Bay | 25.7.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Three Cove Bay, east of the narrow entrance with a northern boundary of 49°41.51' north latitude, 126°29.52' west longitude, and a southern boundary of 49°41.49' north latitude, 126°29.53' west longitude [NAD 83]. |
| 25.8 Kleeptee Creek | 25.8.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore fronting Kleeptee Creek in Williamson Passage, inside of a line from a point on land at 49°39.49' north latitude and 126°22.78' west longitude, thence northwesterly across the bay to a point on land at 49°39.85' north latitude and 126°23.01' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 25.bb Nesook Bay, Tlupana Inlet | 25.bb.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Nesook Bay, Tlupana Inlet inside of a line drawn from a point on land at 49°45.891’ N and 126°26.358’ W, thence east following the shoreline to 49°45.479’ N and 126°26.188’ W (Santa Saturnina Point), and thence back to the point of commencement [NAD83]. |
Last updated: 2023-10-01 00:34:42
There is no information to display at this time
Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:01:52
Crab
Crab
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box and Puget Sound King crab | 25,125 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Dungeness crab | 25,125 | 165mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 6/12/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| King crab | 25,125 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 2/4/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Other crab | 25,125 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Red Rock crab | 25,125 | 115mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 6/12/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Shore crab | 25,125 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 75/150/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:48:33
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | |
| 25,125 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 6. | |
| Gold River | Dioxin Contamination (g/w) | Consumption of crab hepatopancreas should not exceed 70g/week Consumption of crab hepatopancreas should not exceed 70g/week in those waters of Muchalat Inlet lying east of the Gold River Harbour limit, and in those waters of Muchalat Inlet lying east of a line between Anderson Point and Atrevida Point. | |
| 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: 2023-04-12 10:49:44
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Gold River | Waters of Muchalat Inlet lying east of the Gold River Harbour limit, and in those waters of Muchalat Inlet lying east of a line between Anderson Point and Atrevida Point. |
Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:49:44
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 | 25,125 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |
| Barnacles, Giant | 25,125 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
| Barnacles, Goose | 25,125 | Hand Picking | 2kg/4kg/- | Open |
| Limpet | 25,125 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- | Open |
| Octopus | 25,125 | Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open |
| Other shellfish species | 25,125 | 20/40/- | Open | |
| Sand Dollar | 25,125 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
| Sea Cucumber | 25,125 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open |
| Sea Urchin | 25,125 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open |
| Shrimp, Ghost | 25,125 | Hand Digging, Hand Pump | 50/100/- | Open |
| Shrimp/Prawn | 25,125 | Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) | 125/250/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Squid, All other species | 25,125 | Cast Net, Jigging | 20/40/- | Open |
| Squid, Opal | 25,125 | Cast Net, Jigging | 200/400/- | Open |
| Starfish sea star | 25,125 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
Last updated: 2023-10-01 01:38:19
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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 |
Last updated: 2023-04-12 13:26:26
Area descriptions
There is no information to display at this time
Last updated: 2023-04-12 13:26:26
Protected areas
Protected areas
Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:
| Area | Type | Closure name |
|---|---|---|
| 125 | Marine Protected Area | Endeavour Hydrothermal Vent Marine Protected Area |
| 125-1 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Estevan Point |
| 125-2 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Estevan Point |
| West of Bajo Reef | ||
| 125-3 | Rockfish Conservation Area | West of Bajo Reef |
| 125-5 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Estevan Point |
| 125-6 | Area of Interest | Offshore Pacific Seamounts and Vents |
Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:25:54
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Endeavour Hydrothermal Vent Marine Protected Area | Endeavour_Hydrothermal_Vent_Marine_Protected_Area.png | The area is bounded by a line drawn from a point at 47°54'N, 129°02'W, from there west to a point at 47°54'N, 129°08'W, from there north to a point at 48°01'N, 129°08'W, from there east to a point at 48°01'N, 129°02'W, and from there south to the point of beginning. |
| Estevan Point | Estevan_Point.png | Those portions of Subareas 24-1, 124-3, 124-4, 125-1, 125-2 and 125-5 that lie inside of a line that: begins at 49°23.526'N 126°27.818'W north of Matlahaw Point then to 49°19.500'N 126°23.900'W in water then to 49°17.000'N 126°31.200'W in water then to 49°22.100'N 126°44.700'W in water then to 49°25.067'N 126°34.598'W Hesquiat Peninsula then following the southerly shore of Hesquiat Peninsula 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] |
| West of Bajo Reef | West_of_Bajo_Reef.png | Those portions of Subareas 125-2 and 125-3 that lie inside a line that:begins at 49°37.900'N 127°01.111'W in water then to 49°37.900'N 126°52.600'W in water then to 49°33.500'N 126°52.600'W in water then to the beginning point. |
Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:25:54
- Date modified: