BC tidal areas 4 and 104 - Prince Rupert, Porcher Island: 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 maps
Area maps
For a written description of Areas please see the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations 2007.
Area 4: Download a printable PDF version of this map.
Area 104: Download a printable PDF version of this map.
Click thumbnail to enlarge image.
Salmon
Salmon
Learn more about fishing for salmon
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook salmon | 4,104 | 45cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 2/4/10 | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Chum salmon | 4,104 | Barbless Hook & Line | 0/0/- | Non-retention (See Restrictions) | |
| Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) | 4,104 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Pink salmon | 4,104 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Sockeye salmon | 4 | 0/0/- | Open (See Restrictions) | ||
| 104 | 30cm | Barbless Hook & Line | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:03:04
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. | |
| 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 07:03:28
Area descriptions
There is no information to display at this time
Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:03:28
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 | 4,104 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Eulachon | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | Closed | ||
| Mackerel | 4,104 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line | 100/200/- | Open | |
| Northern anchovy | 4,104 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 20kg/40kg/- | Open | |
| Other finfish species | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open | |
| Pacific sand lance | 4,104 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 5kg/10kg/- | Open | |
| Pacific sardine | 4,104 | Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake | 100/200/- | Open | |
| Surf smelt | 4,104 | Dip Net, Gill Net | 20kg/40kg/- | Open | |
| Tuna, Albacore | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open | |
| Tuna, All other species | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 20/40/- | Open | |
| Codfish | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Greenling | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open | |
| Halibut | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/10 | Open until Dec 31 (See Restrictions) | |
| Lingcod | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open until Nov 15 (See Restrictions) | |
| Perch | 4,104 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, All species combined | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 3/6/- | Open until Nov 15 (See Restrictions) | |
| Rockfish, Yelloweye | 4,104 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention until Nov 15 | |
| Sablefish | 4,104 | Hook and Line | 4/8/- | Open | |
| Sculpin | 4,104 | Hook and Line | 8/16/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Shark including Basking, Tope, Bluntnose, Sixgill, Blue, Brown Cat and Great White | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | Closed until Aug 15 | ||
| Shark, All other species | 4,104 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention | |
| Shark, Salmon | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 1/2/- | Open | |
| Skate | 4,104 | Hook and Line | 1/2/- | Open | |
| Sole/Flounder | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 8/16/- | Open | |
| Spiny dogfish | 4,104 | Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving | 4/8/- | Open | |
| Sturgeon | 4,104 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention | |
| Trout (hatchery and wild combined) | 4,104 | 30cm | Hook and Line | 2/4/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Trout (hatchery) | 4,104 | 30cm | Hook and Line | 2/4/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Trout (wild) | 4,104 | 30cm | Hook and Line | 2/4/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Wolf eel | 4,104 | Hook and Line | 0/0/0 | Non-retention |
Last updated: 2023-04-02 09:27:15
Restrictions
Always check for protected areas.
| Species | Areas | Measure type | Measure value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herring | 4,104 | 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 | 4,104 | 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. | |
| 4,104 | 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 | 4,104 | 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). | |
| 4,104 | 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. |
| 4,104 | Combined Daily Limit Pieces | 2 The aggregate recreational daily limit for wild and hatchery trout combined is two (2). | |
| Trout (hatchery) | 4,104 | Daily Limit Pieces | 1 The recreational daily Limit for Hatchery Trout over 50cm is one (1) per day; the recreational daily Limit for Hatchery Trout under or equal to 50cm is two (2) per day. |
| Trout (wild) | 4,104 | Maximum Size (cm) | 50 cm The recreational daily limit for Wild Trout of 50 cm or less remains two (2) per day; The recreational daily limit for Wild Trout over 50 cm is zero (0) |
Last updated: 2023-04-02 09:28:13
Area descriptions
There is no information to display at this time
Last updated: 2023-04-02 09:28:13
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) |
|---|---|---|
| 4-1 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-2 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-3 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-4 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-5 | ||
| 4-6 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-7 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-8 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-9 | ||
| 4-10 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-11 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-12 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-13 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-14 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 4-15 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 104-1 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 104-2 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 104-3 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 104-4 | Closed to All Bivalve Species | |
| 104-5 | Closed to All Bivalve Species |
Last updated: 2023-05-29 15:05:26
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clams, All | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | |
| 4,104 | 0/0/0 | ||
| Cockles | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | |
| Geoduck | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | |
| Mussel, Blue | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | |
| Mussel, California | 4 | 0/0/0 | |
| 4,104 | 0/0/0 | ||
| Oyster, Olympia | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | |
| Oyster, Pacific | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | |
| Scallop, All species | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | |
| Scallop, Weathervane | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | |
| 4,104 | 0/0/0 | ||
| Snail, Moon | 4,104 | Hand Picking | 2/4/- |
| Snail, Other | 4,104 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- |
Last updated: 2023-04-01 06:59:40
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. |
Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:01:55
Area descriptions
| Closure | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 Humpback Bay, Porcher Island | 4.1.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Humpback Bay, Porcher Island, inside a line drawn from the point at the western shore at 54°04.88'north latitude and 130°23.15' west longitude, east to the opposite shore at 54°04.90' north latitude and 130°23.07' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 4.2 Hunt Inlet, Porcher Island | 4.2.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Hunt Inlet, Porcher Island, inside a line drawn from the headland at the western entrance to the inlet at 54°04.60' north latitude and 130°26.98' west longitude, thence northeast to the headland on the opposite side at 54°04.88' north latitude and 130°26.83' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 4.3 Prince Rupert Harbour | 4.3.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Prince Rupert Harbour: bounded at the northwest entrance of the harbour by a line drawn from Observation Point at 54°20.14’ north latitude and 130°27.68’ west longitude southeasterly across Venn Passage to a point on land west of Auriol Point on Digby Island at 54°19.72' north latitude and 130°26.54' west longitude; bounded at the northeast entrance of the harbour by a line drawn from a point on land at 54°21.49’ north latitude and 130°16.97’ west longitude due east to a point on land at 54°21.54’ north latitude and 130°15.60’ west longitude, thence southerly along the shoreline to a point of land at 54°16.08’ north latitude and 130°13.86’ west longitude, thence southwesterly to a point on land at 54°15.57’ north latitude and 130°15.36’ west longitude; and bounded at the southern entrance of the harbour by a line drawn from Lima Point at 54°14.11’ north latitude and 130°22.67’ west longitude southeasterly to a red buoy (designated D18) located directly south of Kitson Island at 54°09.85’ north latitude and 130°19.19’ west longitude, thence northeasterly to a flashing light at Inverness Passage at 54°11.95' north latitude and 130°15.82' west longitude, thence northwesterly along the shoreline to a point of land at 54°14.03' north latitude and 130°17.95' west longitude, and thence southwesterly to a point of land on Ridley Island at 54°13.67’ north latitude and 130°18.39’ west longitude, except those waters west of a line drawn from a point of land on Digby Island east of Auriol Point at 54°19.75' north latitude and 130°25.75' west longitude southeasterly across Venn Passage to a flashing light marker on the opposite shore at 54°19.38' north latitude and 130°24.57' west longitude, thence southwesterly to a point of land on Digby Island at 54°18.98’ north latitude and 130°24.96' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 4.5 West Digby Island, Chatham Sound | 4.5.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Chatham Sound within a radius of 880 m of the wastewater outfall terminus at 54°17.26' north latitude and 130°27.36' west longitude, extending northwesterly along the shore of Digby Island to 54°17.57' north latitude and 130°27.96' west longitude, and southeasterly along the shore of Digby Island to 54°16.91' north latitude and 130°26.82' west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 4.6 Tuck Inlet, Prince Rupert | 4.6.png | The waters and intertidal foreshore of Tuck Inlet, in the vicinity of Prince Rupert Harbour, north of a line drawn from a point on land at 54°21.49' north latitude and 130°16.97' west longitude due east to a point on land at 54°21.54' north latitude and 130°15.60' west longitude, except the aquaculture tenure area located within 54°22.80’ north latitude and 130°16.29’ west longitude; 54°22.75’ north latitude and 130°15.85’ west longitude; 54°21.95’ north latitude and 130°16.12’ west longitude; 54°22.00’ north latitude and 130°16.54’ west longitude. [NAD83] |
| 4-5.A | 4-5.A.png | Those waters of Chatham Sound and adjacent waters inside a line that begins at 54°34.79′N 130°45.35′W [Dundas Island] to 54°34.10′N 130°42.45′W [Green Island Light], thence easterly to a point in water at 54°34.06′N 130°35.00′W, thence due south to a point on water at 54°21.80’N 130°35.00’W, thence due west to a point on land at 54°21.80’N 130°42.78’W [Deans Point], thence northerly following the eastern shoreline of Melville Island to a point on land at 54°24.72′N 130°43.14′W, thence northerly to a point on land at 54°25.17’N 130°43.85’W, thence northerly following the eastern shoreline of Dunira Island to a point on land at 54°28.36’N 130°46.63’W, thence northerly to a point on land at 54°28.36’N 130°47.42’W, thence northerly following the eastern shoreline of Baron Island to a point on land at 54°29.84’N 130°47.60’W, thence northerly to a point on land at 54°32.66’N 130°47.60’W [Dundas Island], thence northeasterly along the shoreline and back to the commencement point. |
| 4-5.B | 4-5.B.png | Those waters of Chatham Sound and adjacent waters inside a line that begins at 54°34.01’N 130°28.82’W [Fortune Point], thence southerly following the western shoreline of Finlayson Island to a point on land at 54°31.30′N 130°27.96′W, thence southerly to a point on land at 54°29.96’N 130°27.91’W [Mist Island], thence southerly following the western shoreline to a point on land at 54°29.38’N 130°27.75’W [Burnt Cliff Island], thence southerly to a point on land at 54°26.62′N 130°28.64′W [Trenham Point], thence southerly following the shoreline to a point on land at 54°21.81′N 130°29.22′W [Ryan Point], thence due west to a point in water at 54°21.80’N 130°35.00’W, thence due north to a point in water at 54°34.06”N 130°35.00’W, thence due east back to the commencement point. |
| 4-9.A | 4-9.A.jpeg | Subarea 4-9 except the waters and intertidal foreshore of a portion of Subarea 4-9 inside a line that commences at a point on the shore of Digby Island at 54°17.371' north latitude and 130°27.654' west longitude, thence to a point on the shore of the largest of the Lucy Islands at 54°17.666' north latitude and 130°36.575 west longitude, thence to a point on the shore of Rachel Island at 54°12.770' north latitude and 130°33.643' west longitude, thence to a point on the shore of Digby Island at 54°15.865' north latitude and 130°25.623' west longitude, thence following the shore of Digby Island to the point of commencement. |
| 4-9.B | 4-9.B.jpeg | The waters and intertidal foreshore of a portion of Subarea 4-9 inside a line that commences at a point on the shore of Digby Island at 54°17.371' north latitude and 130°27.654' west longitude, thence to a point on the shore of the largest of the Lucy Islands at 54°17.666' north latitude and 130°36.575 west longitude, thence to a point on the shore of Rachel Island at 54°12.770' north latitude and 130°33.643' west longitude, thence to a point on the shore of Digby Island at 54°15.865' north latitude and 130°25.623' west longitude, thence following the shore of Digby Island to the point of commencement. |
Last updated: 2023-05-29 15:05:26
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Last updated: 2023-04-01 07:01:55
Crab
Crab
Species regulations
Always check for restrictions.
| Species | Areas | Min size | Gear | Limits (d/p/a) |
Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Box and Puget Sound King crab | 4,104 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Dungeness crab | 4,104 | 165mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 6/12/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| King crab | 4,104 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 2/4/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Other crab | 4,104 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 4/8/- | Open (See Restrictions) | |
| Red Rock crab | 4,104 | 115mm | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 6/12/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Shore crab | 4,104 | Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) | 75/150/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:49:03
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. | |
| 4,104 | Reminder | Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 6. | |
| Porpoise Harbour and Wainwright Basin Crab Closed Area | Closed | That portion of Subarea 4-11 west of the Highway #16 bridge at Galloway Rapids, which includes Wainwright Basin, Porpoise Harbour, and Porpoise Channel. | |
| 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 10:49:51
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Porpoise Harbour and Wainwright Basin Crab Closed Area | That portion of Subarea 4-11 west of the Highway #16 bridge at Galloway Rapids, which includes Wainwright Basin, Porpoise Harbour, and Porpoise Channel. |
Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:49:51
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 | 4,104 | 0/0/0 | Closed | |
| Barnacles, Giant | 4,104 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
| Barnacles, Goose | 4,104 | Hand Picking | 2kg/4kg/- | Open |
| Limpet | 4,104 | Hand Picking | 75/150/- | Open |
| Octopus | 4,104 | Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) | 1/2/- | Open |
| Other shellfish species | 4,104 | 20/40/- | Open | |
| Sand Dollar | 4,104 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
| Sea Cucumber | 4,104 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open |
| Sea Urchin | 4,104 | Diving, Hand Picking | 12/24/- | Open |
| Shrimp, Ghost | 4,104 | Hand Digging, Hand Pump | 50/100/- | Open |
| Shrimp/Prawn | 4,104 | Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) | 125/250/- | Open (See Restrictions) |
| Squid, All other species | 4,104 | Cast Net, Jigging | 20/40/- | Open |
| Squid, Opal | 4,104 | Cast Net, Jigging | 200/400/- | Open |
| Starfish sea star | 4,104 | Hand Picking | 6/12/- | Open |
Last updated: 2023-04-12 13:26:04
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 13:26:28
Area descriptions
There is no information to display at this time
Last updated: 2023-04-12 13:26:28
Protected areas
Protected areas
Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:
| Area | Type | Closure name |
|---|---|---|
| 4-1 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Dunira |
| 4-2 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Stephens Island |
| 4-3 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Porcher Peninsula |
| 4-5 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Hodgson Reefs |
| 4-9 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Gull Rocks North |
| Gull Rocks South | ||
| 104-3 | Rockfish Conservation Area | Porcher Peninsula |
Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:25:18
Area descriptions
| Area | Map | Area description |
|---|---|---|
| Dunira | Dunira.png | Those waters of Subarea 4-1 that lie inside a line that: begins at 54°24.148'N 130°55.265'W south tip of Connel Islands then to 54°25.550'N 130°50.100'W Farwest Point then following the southerly shoreline of Dunira Island to 54°25.167'N 130°43.853'W Dunira Island then to 54°24.720'N 130°43.135'W Melville Island then following the northerly shoreline of Melville Island to 54°22.300'N 130°47.000'W Melville Island then to 54°19.600'N 130°58.200'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Gull Rocks North | Gull_Rocks_North.png | Those waters of Subarea 4-9 that lie inside a line that: begins at 54°11.300'N 130°34.600'W in water then to 54°11.300'N 130°32.300'W in water then to 54°10.300'N 130°30.400'W in water then to 54°10.300'N 130°33.900'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Gull Rocks South | Gull_Rocks_South.png | Those waters of Subarea 4-9 that lie inside a line that: begins at 54°09.800'N 130°33.500'W in water then to 54°09.800'N 130°29.300'W in water then to 54°08.400'N 130°26.400'W in water then to 54°07.700'N 130°28.900'W in water then to 54°07.700'N 130°31.900'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Hodgson Reefs | Hodgson_Reefs.png | Those waters of Subarea 4-5 that lie inside a line that: begins at 54°23.900'N 130°32.600'W in water then true east to the shore, then southerly following the shoreline to the intercept with the parallel passing through 54°22.450' north latitude, then to 54°22.450'N 130°32.600'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Porcher Peninsula | Porcher_Peninsula.png | Those waters of Subareas 4-3, 5-11, 5-12, and 104-3 that lie inside a line that: begins at 53°54.400'N 130°51.500'W in water then to 53°54.600'N 130°43.900'W Fan Point then southerly following the shoreline of Porcher Peninsula to 53°50.235'N 130°39.577'W Porcher Peninsula then to 53°49.100'N 130°41.600'W in water then to the beginning point. |
| Stephens Island | Stephens_Island.png | Those waters of Subarea 4-2 that lie inside a line that: begins at 54°05.700'N 130°54.700'W in water then to 54°05.700'N 130°45.000'W in water then to 54°02.545'N 130°42.658'W north tip of William Island then to 54°01.525'N 130°42.867'W south tip of William Island then to 54°00.000'N 130°44.900'W in water then to 54°00.000'N 130°52.000'W in water then to the beginning point. |
Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:25:18
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