BC tidal area 29 - Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, Fraser River: 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 map
For a written description of Areas please see the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations 2007.
Area 29: Download a printable PDF version of this map.
Click thumbnail to enlarge image.
Tidal water boundaries in streams and rivers
In streams and rivers, tidal waters and non-tidal waters meet. In Area 29 these boundaries are marked by bridges and rail lines. On the side closest to the ocean, the waters are considered tidal. On the side farthest from the ocean, the waters are considered non-tidal.
Licences and regulations are different for tidal waters and freshwater fishing. Know your boundaries:
- Brunette River: Burlington Northern Railway Bridge
- Campbell River: Burlington Northern Railway Bridge
- Chapman Creek: Highway 101 Bridge
- Coquitlam River: Mary Hill Bypass Bridge
- Fraser River: CPR Bridge at Mission
- Kanaka Creek: CPR Bridge
- Nathan Creek: CNR Bridge
- Nicomekl River: Burlington Northern Railway Bridge
- Pitt River: CPR Bridge
- Serpentine River: Burlington Northern Railway Bridge
- Stave River: CPR Bridge
- West Creek: CN Railway Bridge
- Whonnock Creek: CP Rail line
- York Creek: CP Rail line
See Region 2 (Lower Mainland) for salmon fishing opportunities on the freshwater (non-tidal) side of these boundaries.
Salmon
Salmon
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon | 29-1,29-2 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention until Jul 14 (See Restrictions) | |
| 29-3 to 29-5,29-8 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention until Jul 31 (See Restrictions) | ||
| 29-6,29-7,29-9,29-10 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| 29-11 to 29-17 | 0/0/- | Closed | |||
| Chinook salmon (hatchery) | 29-11 to 29-17 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| 29-11 to 29-17 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| Chum salmon | 29-1 to 29-5,29-8 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| 29-6,29-7,29-9,29-10 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| 29-11 to 29-17 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| Coho salmon (hatchery) | 29-1 to 29-5,29-8 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/- | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) |
| 29-11 to 29-17 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| Coho salmon (wild) | 29-1 to 29-5,29-8 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| 29-6,29-7,29-9,29-10 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| Pink salmon | 29-1 to 29-5,29-8 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| 29-6,29-7,29-9,29-10 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| 29-11 to 29-17 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| Sockeye salmon | 29-1 to 29-5,29-8 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| 29-6,29-7,29-9,29-10 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| 29-11 to 29-17 | 0/0/0 | Closed |
Last updated: 2023-06-01 01:58:23
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | 29 | Reminder | In tidal waters, it is illegal to angle with a fishing line that has more than one hook, artificial lure or artificial fly attached, with the following exceptions: (1) When bait fishing, you may attach multiple hooks to hold a single piece of bait as long as the hooks are not arranged to catch more than one fish. (2) When fishing for herring, mackerel, northern anchovy, Pacific sand lance or Pacific sardine you may attach any number of hooks to a line. (3) In the tidal waters of the Fraser River (see area boundary description below), you may fish with two hooks, artificial lures or artificial flies (on one line). |
| Tidal Waters of the Fraser River | Time of Day Restrictions | Night-time Restriction - When open by Regulation, fishing for all fin fish including salmon in the tidal waters of the Fraser River is permitted during daylight hours only. Daylight hours are defined as one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. | |
| 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. | |
| 29-3 | Reminder | As a conditions of licence, the use of downriggers is prohibited in portions of Subareas 28-1, 28-2, 28-3, 28-4, and 29-3 in the Howe Sound glass sponge reef marine refuges and fishery closure areas, as described at http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/ceccsr-cerceef/closures-fermetures-eng.html. | |
| 29-6 to 29-10 | Gear Restriction | Single and treble barbless hooks acceptable. | |
| 29-11 to 29-17 | Gear Restriction | It is prohibited to use more than one line when sport fishing in the tidal waters of the Fraser River. | |
| 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. | |
| Strait of Georgia Chinook closure | Closed | - Those portions of Subareas 29-3 to 29-5 that lie east of a line from Gower Point (49°23.021'N, 123°32.166'W) near Gibsons to Shah Point on the southern tip of Valdes Island (49°01.695'N, 123°35.721'W): Closed to fishing for Chinook salmon to protect Fraser River stocks of concern until 23:59 hours August 31. | |
| Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | Portion of Subarea 29-1 in front of Chapman Creek | Daily Limit Pieces | 2 |
| Minimum Size (cm) | 30 cm | ||
| Possession Limit Pieces | 4 | ||
| Coho salmon (hatchery) | Coastwide | Reminder | Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. |
Last updated: 2023-06-01 01:59:21
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Portion of Subarea 29-1 in front of Chapman Creek | Portion of Subarea 29-1 in front of Chapman Creek of Davis Bay and Trail Bay, inside a half mile ribbon boundary (1/2 mile offshore), commencing from one half mile true South of the Western boundary of Snickett Park (49°27.625'N and 123°45.903'W to one half mile true South of the marker at the entrance to the Port Stalashin Marina (49°25.875'N and 123°42.824'W) | |
| Strait of Georgia Chinook closure | Strait_of_Georgia_Chinook_closure.pdf | Portions of Southern Strait of Georgia - those portions of Subarea 29-3 to 29-5 that lie east of a line from Gower Point (49 23.021'N, 123 32.166'W) near Gibsons to Shah Point on the southern tip of Valdes Island (49 01.695'N, 123 35.721'W) |
| Tidal Waters of the Fraser River | (a) Subarea 29-11 and Subareas 29-13 to 29-17; (b) the portion of Subarea 29-9 bounded on the west by a line from a fishing boundary sign near the entrance to Canoe Passage, thence to a fishing boundary sign on Westham Island, thence following the westerly shoreline of Westham Island and Reifel Island to Pelly Point on Reifel Island, thence to Garry Point on Lulu Island; and (c) the portion of Subarea 29-12 bounded on the west by a line from the most southwesterly point of Sea Island, thence following the westerly shoreline of that island to the Iona Island Road Causeway, thence following that causeway and continuing in a straight line in a northerly direction to a fishing boundary sign on the north shore of Iona Island, thence in a straight line in a northerly direction to a fishing boundary sign on the mainland. |
Last updated: 2023-06-01 01:59:21
Other finfish
Finfish other than salmon
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herring | 29 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Eulachon | 29 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Mackerel | 29 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line | 100/200/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Northern anchovy | 29 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Other finfish species | 29 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Pacific sand lance | 29 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 5kg/10kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Pacific sardine | 29 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 100/200/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Surf smelt | 29 | Dip Net, Gill Net | 20kg/40kg/- | Open until Jun 14 (See Restrictions) | |
| Tuna, Albacore | 29 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Tuna, All other species | 29 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Codfish | 29 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Greenling | 29 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Halibut | 29 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/10 | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| Lingcod | 29-5 | 65cm | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/10 | Open until Sep 30 (See Restrictions) |
| 29-1 to 29-4,29-6 to 29-17 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| Perch | 29 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, All species combined | 29-5 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/- | Open until Sep 30 (See Restrictions) | |
| 29-1 to 29-4,29-6 to 29-17 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| Rockfish, Yelloweye | 29 | 0/0/0 | Closed until Sep 30 | ||
| 29-1 to 29-4,29-6 to 29-17 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |||
| Sablefish | 29 | Hook and Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sculpin | 29 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark including Basking, Tope, Bluntnose, Sixgill, Blue, Brown Cat and Great White | 29 | 0/0/0 | Closed until Aug 15 | ||
| Shark, All other species | 29 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark, Salmon | 29 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Skate | 29 | Hook and Line | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sole/Flounder | 29 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Spiny dogfish | 29 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Sturgeon | 29 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Trout (hatchery) | 29 | 30cm | Hook and Line | 2/4/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Trout (wild) | 29 | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | ||
| Wolf eel | 29 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2023-05-01 01:09:25
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finfish | 29 | Reminder | In tidal waters, it is illegal to angle with a fishing line that has more than one hook, artificial lure or artificial fly attached, with the following exceptions: (1) When bait fishing, you may attach multiple hooks to hold a single piece of bait as long as the hooks are not arranged to catch more than one fish. (2) When fishing for herring, mackerel, northern anchovy, Pacific sand lance or Pacific sardine you may attach any number of hooks to a line. (3) In the tidal waters of the Fraser River (see area boundary description below), you may fish with two hooks, artificial lures or artificial flies (on one line). |
| Tidal Waters of the Fraser River | Time of Day Restrictions | Night-time Restriction - When open by Regulation, fishing for all fin fish including salmon in the tidal waters of the Fraser River is permitted during daylight hours only. Daylight hours are defined as one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. | |
| Herring | 29 | 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. |
| Surf smelt | 29 | Time of Day Restrictions | Closed 8am Mon. to 8am Thur. - Open 8:00 a.m. Thursday to 8:00 a.m Monday; for areas 28 and 29 during open dates (August 16 to June 14) |
| Codfish | 29 | 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. | |
| 29 | 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). |
| Perch | 29 | Reminder | Includes kelp, shiner and pile perch, and all species of surf and sea perch |
| Rockfish, All species combined | Coastwide | Reminder | Rockfish - Anglers in vessels shall immediately return all rockfish that are not being retained to the water and to a similar depth from which they were caught by use of an inverted weighted barbless hook or other purpose-built descender device. |
| Coastwide | Season Planning | Note - For planning purposes only - for in-season requirements, please see current regulations/restrictions for specific areas, gear and individual species limits, and closures/exceptions. INSIDE WATERS - Generally open May 1 to September 30, for Areas 13 to 19 and Subareas 12-1 to 12-13, 12-15 to 12-48, 20-5 to 20-7 and 29-5. Closed year round - Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-4 and 29-6 to 29-17. OUTSIDE WATERS - Generally Open April 1 to November 15, for Areas 1 to 10, 101 to 110, 130, 142, 11, 21 to 27, 111, 123 to 127, Subareas 12-14 and 20-1 to 20-4, and Area 121 (portion). | |
| Sculpin | Coastwide | Reminder | Cabezon is a species of sculpin; for daily and possession limits, please see the species regulations table above for sculpin |
| Trout (hatchery and wild combined) | Coastwide | Reminder | Note (1) Trout - means Brook trout, Brown trout, Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, Lake trout, Rainbow trout, Steelhead, and includes Bull trout. (2) Steelhead - in waters where anadromous Rainbow trout are found, Steelhead means a Rainbow trout that is greater than 50cm in overall length. (3) Anadromous means migrating from the sea up rivers or streams to spawn. |
| 29 | Combined Daily Limit Pieces | 2 The aggregate recreational daily limit for wild and hatchery trout combined is two (2). |
Last updated: 2023-04-02 09:28:24
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Tidal Waters of the Fraser River | (a) Subarea 29-11 and Subareas 29-13 to 29-17; (b) the portion of Subarea 29-9 bounded on the west by a line from a fishing boundary sign near the entrance to Canoe Passage, thence to a fishing boundary sign on Westham Island, thence following the westerly shoreline of Westham Island and Reifel Island to Pelly Point on Reifel Island, thence to Garry Point on Lulu Island; and (c) the portion of Subarea 29-12 bounded on the west by a line from the most southwesterly point of Sea Island, thence following the westerly shoreline of that island to the Iona Island Road Causeway, thence following that causeway and continuing in a straight line in a northerly direction to a fishing boundary sign on the north shore of Iona Island, thence in a straight line in a northerly direction to a fishing boundary sign on the mainland. |
Last updated: 2023-04-02 09:28:24
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
- 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) |
|---|---|---|
| 29-1 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-2 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-3 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-4 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-5 | Clam, Horse;Geoduck | |
| 29-6 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-7 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-8 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-9 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-10 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-11 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-12 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-13 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-14 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-15 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-16 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 29-17 | Closed to All Bivalve Species |
Last updated: 2023-04-11 15:05:36
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clam, Horse | 29 | 0/0/0 | |
| Clams, All | 29 | 0/0/0 | |
| Cockles | 29 | 0/0/0 | |
| Geoduck | 29 | 0/0/0 | |
| Mussel, Blue | 29 | 0/0/0 | |
| Mussel, California | 29 | 0/0/0 | |
| Oyster, Olympia | 29 | 0/0/0 | |
| Oyster, Pacific | 29 | 0/0/0 | |
| Scallop, All species | 29 | 0/0/0 | |
| Snail, Moon | 29 | Hand Picking | 2/4/- |
| Snail, Other | 29 | 0/0/0 |
Last updated: 2023-04-01 06:58:23
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. |
| 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. |
| Snail, Moon | 29 | Reminder | Moon snails may be subject to PSP, check for closures. Consult your local DFO office for details. |
Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:01:59
Area descriptions
| Closure | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| 28.3 Gower Point to Soames Point, Gibsons Landing | 28.3.jpeg | The intertidal foreshore from Gower Point to Soames Point, Gibsons Landing. [NAD83] |
| 29.1 Chaster Creek to Gower Point | 29.1.jpeg | The intertidal foreshore from the mouth of Chaster Creek to Gower Point. [NAD83] |
| 29.10 Trail Bay | 29.10.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Trail Bay in the area of the District of Sechelt inside a line drawn from a point on land at 49°28.12' north latitude and 123º46.82' west longitude at the end of Norwest Bay Road in Sechelt, southeasterly to a point in the water at 49°27.44' north latitude and 123º45.19' west longitude, thence due east to a point on land at 49°27.44' north latitude and 123º44.29' west longitude located at the end of Nestman Road in Selma Park. [NAD83] |
| 29.2 Boundary Bay, Mud and Semiahmoo Bays | 29.2.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Boundary Bay, Mud Bay and Semiahmoo Bay, lying inside, that is northerly of the International Boundary Line. [NAD83] |
| 29.3 Sand Heads to U.S. Boundary by Tsawwassen | 29.3.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore in the Strait of Georgia, lying inside a line drawn from the International Boundary south of Tsawwassen at 49°00.09' north latitude and 123°05.38' west longitude, following the International Boundary through the westerly end of Tsawwassen Causeway to a point in water at 49°00.12' north latitude and 123°09.01' west longitude, thence northwesterly to the light at Sand Heads at 49°06.36' north latitude and 123°18.19' west longitude, thence northwesterly to a point in water at 49°13.09' north latitude and 123°22.71' west longitude, thence northeasterly to the western end of the Fraser River North Arm Jetty at 49°15.54' north latitude and 123°16.97' west longitude, and including the waters of the Fraser River, south of a line drawn from the northern tip of Lulu Island at 49°11.74' north latitude and 122°55.26' west longitude southeasterly to a point on the opposite bank at 49°11.42' north latitude and 122°54.66' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 29.4 Sargeant Bay, Sechelt Peninsula | 29.4.jpeg | That portion of Sargeant Bay, Sechelt Peninsula, within a 300 m radius of the mouth of the unnamed creek entering the northernmost area of the bay. [NAD83] |
| 29.5 Whaler Bay, Galiano Island | 29.5.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Whaler Bay, Galiano Island, lying inside, that is southeast of a line drawn 265° True from Cain Point to the western shore of Galiano Island. [NAD83] |
| 29.6 Whaler Bay, Galiano Island | 29.6.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Galiano Island lying west of a line drawn from Twiss Point at 48°53.59' north latitude and 123°20.08' west longitude thence southwesterly to a point of land marking the entrance to Murchison Cove at 48°53.41' north latitude and 123°20.15' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 29.7 Wakefield Creek | 29.7.jpeg | The intertidal waters at the mouth of Wakefield Creek from a point on land at the base of Mason Road at 49°28.06' north latitude and 123°48.09' west longitude, thence westerly along the edge of the intertidal zone to a point of land at 49°28.07' north latitude and 123°48.48' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 29.8 Davis Bay | 29.8.jpeg | The intertidal foreshore of Davis Bay, located southeast of Sechelt, west of a line drawn due south from an unnamed point on the east side of Chapman Creek at 49°26.31' north latitude and 123°43.42' west longitude, thence northerly and westerly along the low tide mark to a point where a line drawn due west from the culvert at 49°26.52' north latitude and 123°43.69' west longitude intersects the low tide mark. [NAD 83] |
| 29.9 Northwest Langley | 29.9.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of the Fraser River, lying inside a line drawn from the mouth of Yorkson Creek at 49°11.75' north latitude and 122°39.26' west longitude, thence northwesterly across Derby Reach to a point on land at 49°12.09' north latitude and 122°39.50' west longitude, thence easterly following the shoreline to a point on land at 49°12.00' north latitude and 122°40.52' west longitude, thence southeasterly across Bishops Reach to a point on Barnston Island west of Mann Point at 49°11.67' north latitude and 122°40.59' west longitude, thence westerly following the shoreline to a point on Barnston Island east of Mann Point at 49°11.43' north latitude and 122°40.68' west longitude, thence southeasterly across Parsons Channel to a point on land at 49°11.26' north latitude and 122°40.45' west longitude, thence northeasterly following the shoreline to the point of commencement. [NAD83] |
Last updated: 2023-04-11 15:05:36
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Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:01:59
Crab
Crab
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box and Puget Sound King crab | 29 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Dungeness crab | 29 | 165mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| King crab | 29 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Other crab | 29 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Red Rock crab | 29 | 115mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Shore crab | 29 | 0/0/0 | Closed |
Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:48:49
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. | |
| 29 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 4. | |
| 29 | Time of Day Restrictions | Daylight Hours - It is illegal to set or haul crab traps from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise; overnight soaking of traps is allowed. | |
| 29-1 to 29-3 | Dioxin Contamination (g/w) | Consumption of crab hepatopancreas should not exceed 130g/week - consumption of crab hepatopancreas harvested in Howe Sound and the Strait of Georgia in subareas 28-2 and 29-1 and portions of subareas 28-1, 29-2 and 29-3, in the waters bounded: on the north by a line from Brunswick Point west to Irby Point on Anvil Island and along the shoreline to Domett Point on Anvil Island, west to McNab Point on the mainland, on the west by a line from McNab Point to Ekins Point on Gambier Island that follows the eastern and southern shoreline to the government wharf at Gambier Harbour, then proceeds south to Cotton Point on Keats Island and along the eastern and southern shoreline, south to Home Island and continues from southern tip of Home Island west to Gower Point, then follows the shoreline north and west to Reception Point, then on the south by a line that goes from Reception Point east to a point 1.5 km true south of Cape Roger Curtis on Bowen Island, and finally east to Point Atkinson, should not exceed 130 g/week. | |
| 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 | |
| Crab, All species combined | Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and Delta Port | Closed | |
| 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 10:50:11
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and Delta Port | Tsawwassen_Ferry_Terminal_and_Delta_Port.pdf | The waters inside a line drawn from a point on land at 49°01.567'N and 123°08.787'W to the TB Yellow Marker at 49°01.464'N and 123°08.633'W, thence to the T8 Red Marker at 49°01.214'N and 123°08.578'W, then to the T6 Red Marker at 49°00.887'N and 123°08.644'W, thence to the T4 Red Marker at 49°00.696'N and 123°08.922'W, thence to the T2 Red Marker at 49°00.489'N and 123°09.201'W, then southeasterly to the BC Ferry Western docking pylon at 49°00.323'N and 123°08.189'W, thence following the BC Ferry property coastline to 49°00.470'N and 123°07.582'W, thence southeasterly to the most northeasterly point of the Tsawwassen Breakwater at 49°00.230'N and 123°07.440'W, thence to the southwesterly point of the Tsawwassen Breakwater at 49°00.134'N and 123°07.725'W, thence westerly to a point in water at 49°00.133'N and 123°11.270'W, thence due north to a point in water at 49°00.913'N and 123°11.270'W, thence due east to the west end of the Delta Port Dock at 49°00.666'N and 123°10.082'W, thence northeasterly following the Delta Port causeway to 49°00.822'N and 123°09.533'W, thence following the Delta Port property coastline to the point of commencement. |
Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:50:11
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 | 29 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |
| Barnacles, Giant | 29 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |
| Barnacles, Goose | 29 | Hand Picking | 2kg/4kg/- | Open |
| Limpet | 29 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |
| Octopus | 29 | Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open |
| Other shellfish species | 29 | 20/40/- | Open | |
| Sand Dollar | 29 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
| Sea Cucumber | 29 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open |
| Sea Urchin | 29 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open |
| Shrimp, Ghost | 29-1 to 29-7,29-9 to 29-17 | Hand Picking, Hand Pump | 50/100/- | Open until Aug 31 |
| 29 | Hand Digging, Hand Pump | 50/100/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| 29-8 | -/-/- | Closed until Aug 31 | ||
| Shrimp/Prawn | 29 | Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) | 125/250/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Squid, All other species | 29 | Cast Net, Jigging | 20/40/- | Open |
| Squid, Opal | 29 | Cast Net, Jigging | 200/400/- | Open |
| Starfish sea star | 29 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
Last updated: 2023-05-02 00:05:10
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp, Ghost | 29-8 | Closed | Species is also known as sand shrimp. There is no fishing for ghost shrimp in subarea 29-8 from May 1 to August 31 annually. |
| 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: 2023-05-01 01:09:30
Area descriptions
There is no information to display at this time
Last updated: 2023-05-01 01:09:30
Protected areas
Protected areas
Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:
| Area | Type | Closure name |
|---|---|---|
| 29-2 | Glass Sponge Reef | Halibut Bank - Glass Sponge Reef |
| Sechelt | ||
| Rockfish Conservation Area | Halibut Bank - Rockfish Conservation Area | |
| McCall Bank | ||
| 29-3 | Glass Sponge Reef | Foreslope Hills |
| Howe Sound - Queen Charlotte Channel 1 | ||
| Howe Sound - Queen Charlotte Channel 2 | ||
| Howe Sound - Queen Charlotte Channel 3 | ||
| Howe Sound - Queen Charlotte Channel 4 | ||
| Rockfish Conservation Area | McCall Bank | |
| 29-4 | Glass Sponge Reef | Outer Gulf Islands 1 |
| Outer Gulf Islands 2 | ||
| Outer Gulf Islands 3 | ||
| Outer Gulf Islands 4 | ||
| Rockfish Conservation Area | Mayne Island North | |
| 29-5 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Gabriola Passage |
| Galiano Island North | ||
| Valdes Island East |
Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:26:16
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Foreslope Hills | Foreslope_Hills.png | That portion of Subarea 29-3 that lies inside a line that: begins at 49°09.634'N 123°23.048'W then southeasterly to 49°09.389'N 123°22.622'W then to 49°09.187'N 123°22.587'W then to 49°09.211'N 123°23.567'W then to 49°09.646'N 123°23.543'W then to the beginning point. |
| Gabriola Passage | Gabriola_Passage.png | Those waters of Subareas 17-10, 17-17 and 29-5 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°08.200'N 123°41.549'W Gabriola Island then true east to 49°08.200'N 123°41.140'W Breakwater Island then southerly following the westerly shoreline of Breakwater Island to 49°07.546'N 123°40.897'W Breakwater Island then to 49°07.110'N 123°41.125'W Valdes Island then northerly following the shoreline of Valdes Island to 49°07.625'N 123°42.913'W Dibuxante Point then to 49°07.775'N 123°43.033'W Gabriola Island then easterly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
| Galiano Island North | Galiano_Island_North.png | That portion of Subarea 29-5 that lies inside a line that: begins at 48°57.600' N 123°30.540' W shore of Galiano Island then to 48°58.400' N 123°29.700' W in water then to 48°56.880' N 123°25.870' W in water then to 48°56.000' N 123°26.100' W shore of Galiano Island then following the Galiano Island shoreline in a northwesterly direction to the beginning point. Area |
| Halibut Bank - Glass Sponge Reef | Halibut_Bank-Glass_Sponge_Reef.png | That portion of Subarea 29-2 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°21.768'N 123°41.501'W then southerly to 49°21.174'N 123°40.045'W then to 49°20.961'N 123°40.139'W then to 49°20.803'N 123°39.860'W then to 49°20.565'N 123°40.182'W then to 49°21.610'N 123°41.843'W then to 49°21.673'N 123°42.643'W then to 49°21.895'N 123°43.908'W then to 49°22.174'N 123°44.748'W then to 49°22.555'N 123°44.456'W then to 49°22.188'N 123°42.167'W then to the beginning point. |
| Halibut Bank - Rockfish Conservation Area | Halibut_Bank-Rockfish_Conservation_Area.png | Those portions of Subareas 29-2 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°22.100'N 123°47.400'W in water then to 49°22.100'N 123°44.700'W in water then to 49°17.100'N 123°36.700'W in water then to 49°17.100'N 123°38.900'W in water then to 49°19.700'N 123°44.300'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Howe Sound - Queen Charlotte Channel 1 | Howe_Sound-Queen_Charlotte_Channel_1.png | Those portions of Subareas 28-2 and 29-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°21.486'N 123°17.254'W then southerly to 49°20.528'N 123°17.690'W then to 49°20.401'N 123°17.956'W then to 49°20.765'N 123°18.794'W then to 49°20.982'N 123°18.584'W then to 49°21.098'N 123°18.037'W then to 49°21.501'N 123°17.737'W then to the beginning point. |
| Howe Sound - Queen Charlotte Channel 2 | Howe_Sound-Queen_Charlotte_Channel_2.png | Those portions of Subareas 28-2 and 29-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°20.288'N 123°17.693'W then southeasterly to 49°20.224'N 123°17.501'W then to 49°19.993'N 123°17.377'W then to 49°19.802'N 123°17.444'W then to 49°19.720'N 123°17.840'W then to 49°19.937'N 123°18.107'W then to the beginning point. |
| Howe Sound - Queen Charlotte Channel 3 | Howe_Sound-Queen_Charlotte_Channel_3.png | Those portions of Subareas 28-2 and 29-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°19.918'N 123°19.847'W then southerly to 49°19.296'N 123°19.905'W then to 49°19.307'N 123°20.344'W then to 49°19.643'N 123°20.421'W then to 49°19.819'N 123°20.361'W then to 49°19.947'N 123°20.097'W then to the beginning point. |
| Howe Sound - Queen Charlotte Channel 4 | Howe_Sound-Queen_Charlotte_Channel_4.png | Those portions of Subareas 28-2 and 29-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°20.637'N 123°19.162'W then easterly to 49°20.577'N 123°18.720'W then to 49°20.441'N 123°18.637'W then to 49°20.068'N 123°18.818'W then to 49°20.076'N 123°19.135'W then to 49°19.718'N 123°19.187'W then to 49°19.726'N 123°19.514'W then to 49°20.259'N 123°19.828'W then to the beginning point. |
| Mayne Island North | Mayne_Island_North.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°53.163'N 123°19.250'W Cain Point then true north to 48°53.259'N 123°19.250'W Gossip Island then following the easterly shoreline of Gossip Island to 48°53.671'N 123°19.367'W Gossip Island then to 48°53.950'N 123°19.100'W in water then to 48°52.300'N 123°15.200'W in water then true south to 48°51.550'N 123°15.200'W Mayne Island, near Edith Point then northwesterly following the Mayne Island shoreline to 48°52.398'N 123°17.487'W Active Pass Light then to 48°53.099'N 123°18.362'W Gossip Shoals Light and Bell Buoy U47 then to 48°52.778'N 123°18.724'W Rip Point then northwesterly following the shoreline of Galiano Island to the beginning point. |
| McCall Bank | McCall_Bank.png | That portion of Subareas 29-2 and 29-3 that lies inside a line that: begins at 49°22.000'N 123°40.000'W in water then to 49°22.000'N 123°37.200'W in water then to 49°19.900'N 123°33.000'W in water then to 49°19.900'N 123°35.900'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Outer Gulf Islands 1 | Outer_Gulf_Islands_1.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°54.936'N 123°19.589'W then southerly to 48°54.283'N 123°18.529'W then to 48°54.114'N 123°18.619'W then to 48°54.065'N 123°18.771'W then to 48°54.787'N 123°19.929'W then to 48°54.902'N 123°19.793'W then to the beginning point. |
| Outer Gulf Islands 2 | Outer_Gulf_Islands_2.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°52.588'N 123°15.261'W then easterly to 48°52.520'N 123°14.537'W then to 48°51.971'N 123°13.768'W then to 48°51.795'N 123°13.947'W then to 48°52.150'N 123°14.444'W then to 48°52.038'N 123°14.678'W then to 48°52.479'N 123°15.521'W then to the beginning point. |
| Outer Gulf Islands 3 | Outer_Gulf_Islands_3.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°51.602'N 123°13.233'W then southerly to 48°51.309'N 123°12.751'W then to 48°50.913'N 123°12.938'W then to 48°50.844'N 123°13.059'W then to 48°51.163'N 123°13.662'W then to 48°51.579'N 123°13.378'W then to the beginning point. |
| Outer Gulf Islands 4 | Outer_Gulf_Islands_4.png | Those portions of Subareas 18-1 and 29-4 that lie inside a line that: begins at 48°50.999'N 123°12.391'W then southerly to 48°50.608'N 123°11.603'W then to 48°50.097'N 123°10.956'W then to 48°49.959'N 123°11.182'W then to 48°50.857'N 123°12.654'W then to 48°50.959'N 123°12.566'W then to the beginning point. |
| Sechelt | Sechelt.png | That portion of Subarea 29-2 that lie inside a line that: begins at 49°25.948'N 123°48.889'W then easterly to 49°25.899'N 123°47.266'W then to 49°25.373'N 123°46.494'W then to 49°24.734'N 123°47.083'W then to 49°24.910'N 123°47.951'W then to 49°24.253'N 123°48.283'W then to 49°24.845'N 123°49.914'W then to the beginning point. |
| Valdes Island East | Valdes_Island_East.png | That portion of Subarea 29-5 that lies inside a line that: begins at 49°04.067'N 123°37.867'W Valdes Island then to 49°04.700'N 123°36.500'W in water then to 49°02.400'N 123°34.400'W in water then to 49°01.700'N 123°35.717'W Shah Point then northerly following the shoreline to the beginning point. |
Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:26:16
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