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BC tidal areas 27 and 127 - Cape Scott, Quatsino: Recreational fishing limits, openings and closures

You’re responsible for understanding the regulations and restrictions that may affect an open fishery.

How to follow the rules:

  1. Check the Area map. You need to know the location (subarea) where you plan to fish.
  2. Check the species regulations tables for fishing opportunities and basic regulations.
  3. Check the restrictions tables for special exceptions and more detailed regulations. Make sure you know the:
    • (d) Daily limit: The maximum number of a given fish species that a person is allowed to keep in one day.
    • (p) Possession limit: The maximum number of fish you can have in your possession at any given time, except for what is at your ordinary residence.
    • (a) Annual limit: The total amount of fish of a certain species that may be caught and retained during the course of a fishing year which commences on April 1 and ends the following March 31.
  4. Get to know the locations of protected areas. Permanent fishing restrictions are in effect in these areas to protect fish and fish habitat.
  5. Unless otherwise specified, fishing opportunities and closures end at 23:59 hrs on the close-date shown.

Helpful resources:

Area map

Area maps

For a written description of Areas please see the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations 2007.

Area 27: Download a printable PDF version of this map.

Area 127: Download a printable PDF version of this map.

Click thumbnail to enlarge image.

Salmon

Salmon

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Chinook salmon 27 45cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/10 Open (See Restrictions)
127 0/0/0 Non-retention until Jul 14 (See Restrictions)
Chum salmon 27 Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
127 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) 27 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Coho salmon (hatchery) 127 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Coho salmon (wild) 127 Barbless Hook & Line -/-/- Non-retention until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
27 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/- Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Pink salmon 27 -/-/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)
127 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sockeye salmon 27,127 Barbless Hook & Line 0/0/- Non-retention (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2023-06-01 01:25:50

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
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.
WCVI Boundary Line - Shoreward Annual Limit Pieces 10
Daily Limit Pieces 2
Minimum Size (cm) 45 cm
Possession Limit Pieces 4
Chinook salmon Seaward of the WCVI Boundary Line - 127 Non Retention
Seaward of the WCVI Boundary Line - 127 Non Retention Map of the Chinook Boundary in 125
Coho salmon (hatchery) Coastwide Reminder Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin.

Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:03:27

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Seaward of the WCVI Boundary Line - 127 Seaward_of_the_WCVI_Boundary_Line-127.jpeg See the description of the WCVI Boundary Line.
WCVI Boundary Line - Shoreward The Boundary Line is approximately 1nm seaward of the surfline and is defined as follows: A line that begins at Pacheena Point lighthouse at 48 degrees 43.327' N 125 degrees 05.855' W then to 48 degrees 42.456' N 125 degrees 06.583' W seaward of Pachena Point, then to 48 degrees 46.420' N 125 degrees 13.997' W seaward of Cape Beale, then to 48 degrees 54.572' N 125 degrees 33.622' W seaward of Amphitrite Point, then to 49 degrees 05.100' N 125 degrees 54.646' W seaward of Cox Point, then to 49 degrees 10.280' N 126 degrees 04.790' W seaward of Blunden Island, then to 49 degrees 16.472' N 126 degrees 15.140' W seaward of Rafael Point, then to 49 degrees 20.008' N 126 degrees 17.188' W seaward of Sydney Inlet, then to 49 degrees 23.807' N 126 degrees 24.483' W seaward of Hesquiat Point, then to 49 degrees 21.620' N 126 degrees 28.478' W seaward of Matlahaw Point, then to 49 degrees 22.113' N 126 degrees 33.508' W seaward of Estevan Point, then to 49 degrees 23.869' N 126 degrees 35.333' W seaward of Homais Cove, then to 49 degrees 27.766' N 126 degrees 35.971' W seaward of Split Cape, then to 49 degrees 31.494' N 126 degrees 35.669' W seaward of Escalante Point, then to 49 degrees 34.042' N 126 degrees 41.611' W seaward of Maquinna Point, then to 49 degrees 36.254' N 126 degrees 50.538' W seaward of Bajo Point, then to 49 degrees 39.892' N 126 degrees 55.125' W seaward of Skuna Bay, then to 49 degrees 44.400' N 127 degrees 00.289' W seaward of Ferrer Point, then to 49 degrees 50.767' N 127 degrees 10.151' W seaward of Tatchu Point, then to 49 degrees 59.142' N 127 degrees 28.125' W seaward of Lookout Island, then to 50 degrees 06.948' N 127 degrees 41.617' W seaward of Jackobson Point, then to 50 degrees 03.599' N 127 degrees 47.722' W seaward of Clerke Point, then to 50 degrees 05.868' N 127 degrees 57.906' W seaward of Solander Island, then to 50 degrees 19.284' N 128 degrees 00.130' W seaward of Lawn Point, then to 50 degrees 31.501' N 128 degrees 14.238' W seaward of Topknot Point, then to 50 degrees 35.683' N 128 degrees 19.249' W seaward of Cape Palmerston, then to 50 degrees 39.280' N 128 degrees 23.459' W seaward of Winifred Island, then to 50 degrees 41.116' N 128 degrees 24.166' W seaward of Cape Russell, then to 50 degrees 44.137' N 128 degrees 26.559' W seaward of Strange Rock, then to 50 degrees 47.926' N 128 degrees 27.363' W seaward of Cape Scott, then to Frederiksen Point.

Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:03:27

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 27,127 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Eulachon 27,127 0/0/0 Closed
Mackerel 27,127 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line 100/200/- Open
Northern anchovy 27,127 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 20kg/40kg/- Open
Other finfish species 27,127 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open
Pacific sand lance 27,127 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 5kg/10kg/- Open
Pacific sardine 27,127 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 100/200/- Open
Surf smelt 27,127 Dip Net, Gill Net 20kg/40kg/- Open
Tuna, Albacore 27,127 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open
Tuna, All other species 27,127 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open
Codfish 27,127 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Greenling 27,127 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 3/6/- Open
Halibut 27,127 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 1/2/10 Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions)
Lingcod 27,127 65cm Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 3/6/- Open until Nov 15 (See Restrictions)
Perch 27,127 Hook and Line 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Rockfish, All species combined 27,127 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 3/6/- Open until Nov 15 (See Restrictions)
Rockfish, Yelloweye 27,127 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention until Nov 15
Sablefish 27,127 Hook and Line 4/8/- Open
Sculpin 27,127 Hook and Line 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shark including Basking, Tope, Bluntnose, Sixgill, Blue, Brown Cat and Great White 27,127 0/0/0 Closed until Aug 15
Shark, All other species 27,127 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention
Shark, Salmon 27,127 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 1/2/- Open
Skate 27,127 Hook and Line 1/2/- Open
Sole/Flounder 27,127 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 8/16/- Open
Spiny dogfish 27,127 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 4/8/- Open
Sturgeon 27,127 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention
Trout (hatchery) 27,127 30cm Hook and Line 2/4/- Open
Trout (wild) 27,127 0/0/- Non-retention
Wolf eel 27,127 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention

Last updated: 2023-05-01 00:06:57

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Herring 27,127 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 27,127 Reminder Species includes: Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod.
Halibut 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 limit for halibut is one (1) and possession limit 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 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.
27,127 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).
27,127 Reminder Lingcod: Fillets, including the tail, must meet the minimum "head off" size limit of 53 cm. (21 in.)
Perch 27,127 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).
27,127 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.
27,127 Combined Daily Limit Pieces 2 The aggregate recreational daily limit for wild and hatchery trout combined is two (2).

Last updated: 2023-04-02 09:28:11

Area descriptions

There is no information to display at this time

Last updated: 2023-04-02 09:28:11

Bivalve shellfish

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 can also accumulate toxins and pollutants. Learn more about shellfish harvesting.

How to follow the rules

  1. Check for contamination in the subarea where you plan to harvest.
  2. If no contamination closures are in effect, check species regulations and additional harvest restrictions.
  3. Littleneck, Manila and butter clams are subject to a minimum size limit. See below under restrictions for more information on clam size limits.
  4. Questions? Email us at DFO.PACCSSP-PCAMPAC.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Bivalve shellfish contamination closures

Planned bivalve shellfish harvesting closures

Look at the first column below to see which species are safe to harvest. If there is information in the second column, it is illegal and unsafe to harvest any bivalve species in those areas.

Subarea Marine biotoxin update (open bivalve species) Sanitary contamination closures (closed to shellfish harvesting)
27-1 Closed to All Bivalve Species
27-2 Closed to All Bivalve Species
27-3 Closed to All Bivalve Species
27-4 Closed to All Bivalve Species
27-5 Closed to All Bivalve Species
27-6 Closed to All Bivalve Species
27-7 Closed to All Bivalve Species
27-8 Closed to All Bivalve Species
27-9 Closed to All Bivalve Species
27-10 Closed to All Bivalve Species
27-11 Closed to All Bivalve Species
127-1 Closed to All Bivalve Species
127-2 Closed to All Bivalve Species
127-3 Closed to All Bivalve Species
127-4 Closed to All Bivalve Species

Last updated: 2023-04-11 11:38:11

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Clam, Butter 27 Hand Digging 20/40/-
Clam, Horse 27 Hand Digging 6/12/-
Clam, Littleneck 27 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Clam, Manila 27 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Clam, Razor 27 Hand Digging 12/24/-
Clam, Softshell 27 Hand Digging 25/50/-
Clam, Varnish 27 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Clams, All 27 Hand Digging 60/120/-
Cockles 27,127 Hand Digging 25/50/-
Geoduck 27 Hand Digging, Hand Picking 3/6/-
Mussel, Blue 27 Hand Picking 75/150/-
Mussel, California 27 Hand Picking 25/50/-
Oyster, Olympia 27,127 0/0/0
Oyster, Pacific 27,127 Hand Picking 12/24/-
Scallop, Pink and Spiny 27,127 Diving, Hand Picking 75/150/-
Scallop, Rock 27,127 Diving, Hand Picking 6/12/-
Scallop, Weathervane 27,127 Diving, Hand Picking 6/12/-
Snail, Moon 27,127 Hand Picking 2/4/-
Snail, Other 27,127 Hand Picking 75/150/-

Last updated: 2023-04-11 11:38:14

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.
27,127 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 27,127 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.
27,127 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 27,127 Reminder Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details.

Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:01:54

Area descriptions

Closure Map Area description
27.1 Cleagh Creek, Quatsino Sound 27.1.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of the bay at the mouth of Cleagh Creek,Quatsino Sound, lying inside a line drawn from the eastern headland to the western headland of the bay. [NAD83]
27.11 Koprino Harbour, Quatsino Sound 27.11.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of eastern Koprino Harbour, Quatsino Sound, lying east of a line drawn from a point of land at 50°30.34' north latitude and 127° 50.71' west longitude, thence southwesterly to the northern tip of Diggs Islet at 50° 30.14' north latitude and 127° 51.07' west longitude, then following the shoreline southerly to the southeastern tip of Diggs Islet at 50° 30.07' north latitude and 127° 51.11' west longitude, thence southeasterly to Skedin Islet at 50° 30.02' north latitude and 127° 51.00' west longitude, then easterly to the northern tip of Linthlop Islet at 50°30.05' north latitude and 127°50.61' west longitude, thence due north to a point of land at 50°30.18' north latitude and 127°50.61' west longitude (NAD 83).
27.12 Holberg Inlet, Apple Bay and Coal Harbour 27.12.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Holberg Inlet, including Apple Bay and Coal Harbour, from a point on land northwest of the Nuknimish Creek mouth at 50°36.37' north latitude and 127°40.00' west longitude, thence easterly following the shoreline to a point of land east of Hankin Point at 50°34.28' north latitude and 127°32.86' west longitude, thence southwesterly to Sorenson Point at 50°33.47' north latitude and 127°33.63' west longitude, thence following the shoreline northwesterly to a point on land at 50°35.00' north latitude and 127°40.00' west longitude, thence due north to the point of commencement. [NAD83]
27.13 Bish Creek, Quatsino Sound 27.13.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore in the estuary of Bish Creek, Quatsino Sound, north of a line drawn from a point on land at 50°30.77' north latitude and 127°44.19' west longitude, thence following the intertidal foreshore easterly to a point on land at 50°30.82' north latitude and 127°43.40' west longitude. [NAD83]
27.14 Head of Ahwhichaolto Inlet 27.14.png The waters and intertidal foreshore at the head of Ahwhichaolto Inlet, southeast of a line drawn from a point on land at 50°31.33’ north latitude and 127°54.41’ west longitude, northeasterly to a point on land at 50°31.51’ north latitude and 127°54.10’ west longitude. [NAD 83]
27.15 Northeast side of Smith Cove, Quatsino Sound 27.15.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore on the northeast side of Smith Cove, Quatsino Sound, within a distance of 125 m from the outer perimeter of the floating living accommodation located at or near 50°29.12' north latitude and 127°35.06' west longitude. [NAD 83]
27.2 Mahatta River, Quatsino Sound 27.2.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore lying within an 800 m radius of the creek entering at the settlement of Mahatta River, Quatsino Sound. [NAD83]
27.3 Koprino Harbour, Quatsino Sound 27.3.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of western Koprino Harbour, Quatsino Sound, lying inside a line drawn from the entrance to Spencer Cove at 50°30.00 north latitude and 127°52.60 minutes west longitude, thence easterly to the most northern point of Schloss Island at 50°29.99 minutes north latitude and 127°51.76 minutes west longitude, thence northerly to a point on land northwest of Jones Rock at 50°30.22 minutes north latitude and 127°51.64 minutes west longitude. [NAD83]
27.4 Winter Harbour 27.4.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Winter Harbour lying north of a line drawn from Greenwood Point at 50°30.58' north latitude and 128°01.59' west longitude, thence due east to the mouth of Quashtin Creek at 50°30.58' north latitude and 128°01.20' west longitude, and west and south of a line drawn from a point of land east of Galato Creek at 50°31.96' north latitude and 128°00.84' west longitude, thence southeasterly to a point of land on the opposite shore at 50°31.67' north latitude and 128°00.55' west longitude. [NAD83]
27.5 Holberg Inlet 27.5.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore at the head of Holberg Inlet. [NAD83]
27.6 Hectate Cove, Quatsino Sound 27.6.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Hecate Cove, Quatsino Sound, lying inside a line drawn from the point of land on the eastern side of the entrance to the cove at 50°32.47 minutes north latitude and 127°35.55 minutes west longitude, thence westerly to a point on land on the opposite shore on the western side of the cove at 50°32.47 minutes north latitude and 127°36.06 minutes west longitude. [NAD83]
27.9 Jules Bay 27.9.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Jules Bay, from Dahlstrom Point thence easterly to a point on land at 50 °35.24' north latitude and 127 ° 44.36' west longitude. [NAD83]

Last updated: 2023-04-11 11:38:11

There is no information to display at this time

Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:01:54

Crab

Crab

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Box and Puget Sound King crab 27,127 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Dungeness crab 27,127 165mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
King crab 27,127 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 2/4/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other crab 27,127 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Red Rock crab 27,127 115mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shore crab 27,127 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 75/150/- Open (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:48:42

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.
27,127 Reminder Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 6.
King crab Coastwide Packaging and Transporting In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of King crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed.
Coastwide Sex Restriction As per the Conditions of Licence, it is prohibited to possess female King crab
Dungeness crab Coastwide Packaging and Transporting In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Dungeness crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed.
Sex Restriction It is prohibited to possess female Dungeness crab
Red Rock crab Coastwide Packaging and Transporting In order to be accurately measured, the carapace of Red Rock crab that you catch must remain attached until the crab arrives at your residence or it is consumed.
Sex Restriction It is prohibited to possess female Red Rock crab

Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:49:47

Area descriptions

There is no information to display at this time

Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:49:47

Other invertebrates

Other invertebrates

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Limits
(d/p/a)		 Status
Abalone 27,127 0/0/0 Closed
Barnacles, Giant 27,127 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open
Barnacles, Goose 27,127 Hand Picking 2kg/4kg/- Open
Limpet 27,127 Hand Picking 75/150/- Open
Octopus 27,127 Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) 1/2/- Open
Other shellfish species 27,127 20/40/- Open
Sand Dollar 27,127 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open
Sea Cucumber 27,127 Diving, Hand Picking 12/24/- Open
Sea Urchin 27,127 Diving, Hand Picking 12/24/- Open
Shrimp, Ghost 27,127 Hand Digging, Hand Pump 50/100/- Open
Shrimp/Prawn 27,127 Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) 125/250/- Open (See Restrictions)
Squid, All other species 27,127 Cast Net, Jigging 20/40/- Open
Squid, Opal 27,127 Cast Net, Jigging 200/400/- Open
Starfish sea star 27,127 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open

Last updated: 2023-05-31 15:16:17

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 13:26:27

Area descriptions

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Last updated: 2023-04-12 13:26:27

Protected areas

Protected areas

Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:

Area Type Closure name
27-1 Rockfish Conservation Area Topknot
27-2 Rockfish Conservation Area Topknot
27-4 Rockfish Conservation Area Brooks Bay
27-11 Rockfish Conservation Area Holberg Inlet
127-1 Rockfish Conservation Area Topknot
127-2 Area of Interest Offshore Pacific Seamounts and Vents
127-3 Rockfish Conservation Area Scott Islands
Topknot
127-4 Area of Interest Offshore Pacific Seamounts and Vents
Rockfish Conservation Area Scott Islands

Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:24:54

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Brooks Bay Brooks_Bay.png Subareas 27-5 and 27-6 and those waters of Subarea 27-4 that lie northeasterly of a line From 50°17.263'N 127°51.893'W Heater Point To 50°13.847'N 127°48.495'W Donald Islets Light
Holberg Inlet Holberg_Inlet.png That portion of Subarea 27-11 that lies easterly of a line: From 50°36.117'N 127°45.013'W Norton Point To 50°35.600'N 127°45.590'W Dahlstrom Point and westerly of the meridian passing through 127°37.100' west longitude at Thorp 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]
Scott Islands Scott_Islands.png Those waters of Area 111 and Subareas 127-3 and 127-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 50°52.000'N 128°56.500'W in water then true east to 50°52.000'N 128°33.000'W in water then true south to 50°45.000'N 128°33.000'W in water then true west to 50°45.000'N 128°56.500'W in water then true north to the beginning point.
Topknot Topknot.png Those waters of Subareas 27-1, 27-2, 127-1 and 127-3 that lie inside a line that begins at the intersection of the westerly shoreline of Vancouver Island with the parallel passing through 50°29.000' north latitude, then true west to the intersection with the meridian passing through 128°18.000' west longitude, then true north to Cape Palmerston, then southerly following the shoreline of Vancouver Island to the beginning point.

Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:24:54

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