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BC tidal areas 6 and 106 - Kitimat, Kemano Bay: 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 maps

Area maps

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

Area 6: Download a printable PDF version of this map.

Area 106: Download a printable PDF version of this map.

Click thumbnail to enlarge image.

Area 6: Download a printable PDF version of this map.

Area 106: Download a printable PDF version of this map.

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 6,106 45cm Barbless Hook & Line 2/4/10 Open (See Restrictions)
Chum salmon 6,106 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Coho salmon (hatchery and wild combined) 6,106 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Pink salmon 6,106 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sockeye salmon 6,106 30cm Barbless Hook & Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2023-10-01 02:45:43

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Finfish Kitimat River Reminder Single barbless hooks, and a bait ban is in effect Single barbless hooks and a bait ban is in effect
Salmon Coastwide Combined Daily Limit Pieces 4 - The daily limit for all species of Pacific salmon from tidal and fresh waters combined is 4. Individual species limits also apply.
Coastwide Possession Limit Pieces 8 - The possession limit for all salmon from all waters is twice the daily limit. You cannot possess more than eight salmon in total, except for salmon that are at your ordinary residence.
Chinook salmon Coastwide Reminder Keeping your chinook salmon? You must permanently record all retained catch on your Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. If mobile internet access is immediately available, the licence holder may alternatively record catch immediately in their National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) account.
Coastwide Annual Limit Pieces 10 - The coastwide total annual limit for chinook salmon is 10 from all tidal waters that are open to chinook retention.
Coho salmon (hatchery) Coastwide Reminder Hatchery coho (marked): Coho salmon with a healed scar in place of the adipose fin.

Last updated: 2023-10-01 02:45:44

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Kitimat River Tidal waters of the Kitimat River upstream of a line from the old Eurocan dock at 53 degrees 59.600 minutes N 128 degrees 40.733 minutes W to the kiosk at MK Bay marina at 53 minutes 58.841 minutes N 128 degrees 39.144 minutes W.

Last updated: 2023-10-01 02:45:44

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 6,106 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Eulachon 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Mackerel 6,106 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Hook and Line 100/200/- Open (See Restrictions)
Northern anchovy 6,106 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other finfish species 6,106 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Pacific sand lance 6,106 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 5kg/10kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Pacific sardine 6,106 Cast Net, Dip Net, Herring Jig, Herring Rake 100/200/- Open (See Restrictions)
Surf smelt 6,106 Dip Net, Gill Net 20kg/40kg/- Open (See Restrictions)
Tuna, Albacore 6,106 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Tuna, All other species 6,106 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 20/40/- Open (See Restrictions)
Codfish 6,106 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Greenling 6,106 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 3/6/- Open (See Restrictions)
Halibut 6,106 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 1/2/10 Open (See Restrictions)
Lingcod 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Perch 6,106 Hook and Line 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Rockfish, All species combined 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Rockfish, Yelloweye 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Sablefish 6,106 Hook and Line 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sculpin 6,106 Hook and Line 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shark, All other species 6,106 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Shark, Basking 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Blue 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Bluntnose 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Brown Cat 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Great White 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Salmon 6,106 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shark, Sixgill 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Shark, Tope 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Skate 6,106 Hook and Line 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sole/Flounder 6,106 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 8/16/- Open (See Restrictions)
Spiny dogfish 6,106 Hook and Line, Spear Fishing while diving 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Sturgeon 6,106 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)
Trout (hatchery and wild combined) 6,106 30cm Hook and Line 2/4/- Open (See Restrictions)
Trout (hatchery) 6,106 30cm Hook and Line 2/4/- Open (See Restrictions)
Trout (wild) 6,106 30cm Hook and Line 2/4/- Open (See Restrictions)
Wolf eel 6,106 Hook and Line 0/0/0 Non-retention (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2024-02-03 00:11:54

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Finfish Kitimat River Reminder Single barbless hooks, and a bait ban is in effect Single barbless hooks and a bait ban is in effect
Herring 6,106 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 6,106 Reminder Species includes: Pacific cod, Pacific tomcod, pollock and hake but does not include lingcod.
Halibut Coastwide Reminder The possession limit for halibut is EITHER of: one (1) halibut measuring 90 cm to 126 cm in length (69 cm to 102 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 (102 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.
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 6,106 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.
6,106 Combined Daily Limit Pieces 2 The aggregate recreational daily limit for wild and hatchery trout combined is two (2).
Trout (hatchery) 6,106 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) 6,106 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: 2024-02-03 00:13:06

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Kitimat River Tidal waters of the Kitimat River upstream of a line from the old Eurocan dock at 53 degrees 59.600 minutes N 128 degrees 40.733 minutes W to the kiosk at MK Bay marina at 53 minutes 58.841 minutes N 128 degrees 39.144 minutes W.

Last updated: 2024-02-03 00:13:06

Bivalve shellfish and snails

Bivalve shellfish and snails

Eating contaminated shellfish can be life threatening. Closures change frequently throughout the year. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from closed or contaminated areas.

Bivalve shellfish have 2 hinged shells. Because they feed by filtering microscopic plankton from the water, changes in water quality can cause unsafe marine biotoxins, bacteria, or viruses to build up in their tissue.

Snails refers to all snails, whelks, tritons and periwinkles with the exception of Moon Snails. Snails and moon snails can accumulate toxins and pollutants. We recommend that they not be harvested from areas shown as closed in the table below.

Learn more about shellfish harvesting.

How to follow the rules

  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)
6-1 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-2 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-3 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-4 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-5 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-6 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-7 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-8 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-9
  • 6-9.B: Closed to All Bivalve Species
  • 6-9.A: Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-10 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-11 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-12 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-13
  • 6-13.A: Closed to All Bivalve Species
  • 6-13.B: Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-14 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-15 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-16 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-17 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-18 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-19 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-20 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-21 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-22 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-23 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-24 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-25 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-26 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-27 Closed to All Bivalve Species
6-28 Closed to All Bivalve Species
106-1 Closed to All Bivalve Species
106-2 Closed to All Bivalve Species

Last updated: 2024-01-02 16:10:24

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Clams, All 6,106 0/0/0
6,106 0/0/0
Cockles 6,106 0/0/0
Geoduck 6,106 0/0/0
Mussel, Blue 6,106 0/0/0
Mussel, California 6 0/0/0
6,106 0/0/0
Oyster, Olympia 6,106 0/0/0
Oyster, Pacific 6,106 0/0/0
Scallop, All species 6,106 0/0/0
Scallop, Weathervane 6,106 0/0/0
6,106 0/0/0
Snail, Moon 6,106 Hand Picking 2/4/-
Snail, Other 6,106 Hand Picking 75/150/-

Last updated: 2024-01-02 16:07:17

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: 2024-01-02 16:10:24

Area descriptions

Closure Map Area description
6.1 Kitimat Arm 6.1.jpeg The waters and tidal foreshore of Kitimat Arm, lying inside a line drawn between Raley Point and a point 400 m north of the mouth of Bish Creek. [NAD83]
6.3 Hartley Bay 6.3.jpeg The waters and intertidal foreshore of Hartley Bay, Douglas Channel, lying inside a line drawn from Sutton Pt. at 53°25.35' north latitude and 129°14.98' west longitude, then northeast to the point on land at the opposite side of the bay at 53°25.45' north latitude and 129°14.70' west longitude. [NAD27]
6-13.A 6-13.A.jpeg That portion of Subarea 6-13 north of a line (parallel) running along 52 degrees 40.85 minutes north latitude.
6-13.B 6-13.B.jpeg That portion of Subarea 6-13 south of a line (parallel) running along 52 degrees 40.85 minutes north latitude.
6-9.A 6-9.A.png That portion of Subarea 6-9 north of a line at 53°06.889’ N, 129°33.558’ W to 53°06.889’ N, 129°52.986’ W. [NAD 83]
6-9.B 6-9.B.png That portion of Subarea 6-9 south of a line at 53°06.889’ N, 129°33.558’ W to 53°06.889’ N, 129°52.986’ W. [NAD 83]

Last updated: 2024-01-02 16:10:24

There is no information to display at this time

Last updated: 2024-01-02 16:10:24

Crab

Crab

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Min size Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Status
Box and Puget Sound King crab 6,106 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Dungeness crab 6,106 165mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
King crab 6,106 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 2/4/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other crab 6,106 Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 4/8/- Open (See Restrictions)
Red Rock crab 6,106 115mm Dip Net, Hand Picking, Ring Net, Traps (Crab) 6/12/- Open (See Restrictions)
Shore crab 6,106 Hand Picking 75/150/- Open (See Restrictions)

Last updated: 2023-11-28 09:26:50

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.
6,106 Reminder Combined daily limit for Dungeness crab, red rock crab, box crab, Puget Sound king crab and all other king crab is 6.
Higgins Passage Closed
Khutze Inlet Closed
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 10:49:55

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Higgins Passage That portion of Subareas 6-16 and 7-3 lying inside of a line that begins at 52°29.074586'N 128°45.836113'W [southwest Swindle Island], then southwest to 52°28.658625'N 128°47.783029'W, then south to 52°27.752182'N 128°47.957771'W, then east to 52°27.505255'N 128°45.896523'W [west Price Island], then following the northern shoreline of Price Island to 52°27.564212'N 128°37.583357'W, then 52°27.919086'N 128°36.925324'W then following the southern shoreline of Swindle Island to the beginning point.
Khutze Inlet That portion of Subarea 6-23 lying southerly of a line that begins at 53°05.7887'N 128°27.1974'W [Pardoe Point] then to due east to 53°05.7865'N 128°25.7469'W.

Last updated: 2023-04-12 10:49:55

Other invertebrates

Other invertebrates

Species regulations

Always check for restrictions.

Species Areas Gear Limits
(d/p/a)
Status
Abalone 6,106 0/0/0 Closed
Barnacles, Giant 6,106 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open
Barnacles, Goose 6,106 Hand Picking 2kg/4kg/- Open
Limpet 6,106 Hand Picking 75/150/- Open
Octopus 6,106 Diving, Hand Picking, Hook and Line, Traps (Crab) 1/2/- Open (See Restrictions)
Other shellfish species 6,106 20/40/- Open
Sand Dollar 6,106 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open
Sea Cucumber 6,106 Diving, Hand Picking 12/24/- Open
Sea Urchin 6,106 Diving, Hand Picking 12/24/- Open
Shrimp, Ghost 6,106 Hand Digging, Hand Pump 50/100/- Open
Shrimp/Prawn 6,106 Ring Net, Spear, Trap (Other species of Shellfish) 125/250/- Open (See Restrictions)
Squid, All other species 6,106 Cast Net, Jigging 20/40/- Open
Squid, Opal 6,106 Cast Net, Jigging 200/400/- Open
Starfish sea star 6,106 Hand Picking 6/12/- Open

Last updated: 2024-03-13 13:37:59

Restrictions

Always check for protected areas.

Species Areas Measure type Measure value
Octopus Coastwide Gear Restriction The use of sharp pointed instruments or chemicals is prohibited.
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
Shrimp/Prawn Coastwide Season Planning FN1270-RECREATIONAL - Shellfish - Prawn and Shrimp - Areas 13, 15, 16, 17, 19, 23, 25, 28 closures - Recreational prawn and shrimp harvesters are advised that the harvest of prawns and shrimp by trap, ring net, or spear while diving, will close from 00:01 hours January 1, 2024, to 23:59 hours, March 31, 2024, in the following Subareas as described in the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations: Subareas 13-1, 13-12 to 13-17 (Quadra/Cortes Islands); Subareas 15-1 to 15-3 (Powell River / Lund); Subareas 16-1, 16-2, 16-5 to 16-11, 16-16 to 16-18 (Malaspina Strait / lower Jervis Inlet and Sechelt / Salmon Inlets); Subareas 17-5, 17-6, 17-9 to 17-13, 17-15, 17-16, 17-18 (Nanaimo and portion of Stuart Channel); Subareas 19-9 to 19-12 (portion of Saanich Inlet); Subareas 23-1,23-2, and 23-4 (portion Alberni Inlet / Barkley Sound); Subareas 25-1 to 25-5, 25-8, 25-16 (Tahsis/Muchalat Inlets); and Subarea 28-4 (portion Howe Sound). These 3-month winter closures are in place to allow the prawn spawning period to complete. These areas re-open 00:01 hours April 1, 2024. Subareas 19-7, 19-8 (Portion Saanich Inlet) and 23-3 (portion Alberni Inlet) will continue "pulse fishing" (closed in the first half of the month and open in the second half of the month). These Subareas will close to the harvest of prawns and shrimp by trap, ring net, or spear while diving from: 00:01 hours January 1, 2024 to 23:59 hours January 15, 2024; 00:01 hours February 1, 2024 to 23:59 hours February 15, 2024; and 00:01 hours March 1, 2024 to 23:59 hours March 15, 2024. These areas re-open 00:01 hours March 16, 2024.

Last updated: 2024-03-13 13:38:33

Area descriptions

There is no information to display at this time

Last updated: 2024-03-13 13:38:33

Protected areas

Protected areas

Learn about permanent restrictions that are in effect:

Area Type Closure name
6-9 Rockfish Conservation Area Otter Passage
6-16 Rockfish Conservation Area Kitasu Bay
6-18 Rockfish Conservation Area Kitasu Bay
6-19 Rockfish Conservation Area Kitasu Bay
106-1 Marine Protected Area Northern Reef MPA
Rockfish Conservation Area Otter Passage
106-2 Marine Protected Area Central Reefs MPA Zone A
Rockfish Conservation Area West Aristazabal Island

Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:25:44

Area descriptions

Area Map Area description
Central Reefs MPA Zone A Central_Reefs_MPA_Zone_A.jpeg Central Reefs MPA Zone A core protection zone: Those waters of Subareas 106-2 and 107-1 below a depth of 120 m below the sea surface that lie inside a line that begins at 52°14'03.4"N 129°38'33.2"W, then southerly to 52°16'54.8"N 129°43'13.4"W, then to 52°21'57.1"N 129°43'56.5"W, then to 52°24'24.5"N 129°47'22.8"W, then to 52°29'05.9"N 129°50'59.4"W, then to 52°31'05.2"N 129°50'13.9"W, then to 52°31'06.7"N 129°47'40.9"W, then to 52°27'42.0"N 129°40'25.1"W, then to 52°25'22.9"N 129°37'24.0"W, then to 52°19'47.0"N 129°32'43.2"W, then to 52°16'18.2"N 129°33'22.8"W, then to the beginning point.
Kitasu Bay Kitasu_Bay.png Those waters of Subareas 6-16, 6-18 and 6-19 that lie northeasterly of a line that: begins at 52°39.326'N 128°51.524'W entrance to Monks Cove then to 52°31.400'N 128°44.589'W near Parson's Anchorage except for the waters of Laredo Inlet that lie north of the parallel passing through 52°40.100' north latitude at Waser Point
Northern Reef MPA Northern_Reef_MPA.jpeg Northern Reef core protection zone: Those waters of Subareas 105-2 and 106-1 below a depth of 100m below the sea surface that lie inside a line that begins at 53°18'40.4" N 130°52'46.5" W, then southerly to 53°22'12.1"N 130°47'01.7"W, then to 53°22'20.2"N 130°43'12.5"W, then to 53°17'22.8"N 130°38'18.2"W, then to 53°15'01.7"N 130°36'35.5"W, then to 53°10'55.2"N 130°20'19.3"W, then to 53°04'30.2"N 130°25'53.6"W, then to 53°04'58.0"N 130°32'16.9"W then to 53°07'22.2"N 130°37'37.6"W, then to 53°08'36.6"N 130°39'29.5"W, then to 53°08'41.8"N 130°45'40.0"W, then to 53°13'51.2"N 130°46'41.2"W, then to the beginning point.
Otter Passage Otter_Passage.png Those waters of Subareas 6-9 and 106-1 that lie inside a line that: begins at 53°09.835'N 129°47.579'W south tip of Banks Island then to 53°05.100'N 129°46.600'W in water then to 53°05.000'N 129°50.100'W in water then to 53°08.600'N 130°08.900'W in water then to 53°10.000'N 130°08.900'W in water then to 53°10.000'N 129°57.127'W Terror Point
West Aristazabal Island West_Aristazabal_Island.png Those waters of Subareas 106-2 that lie inside a line that begins at 52°42.800'N 129°32.500'W in water then to 52°45.300'N 129°25.100'W in water then to 52°38.940'N 129°24.800'W southerly tip of Moore Islands then to 52°23.500'N 129°05.500'W in water then to 52°23.500'N 129°25.300'W in water then to the beginning point

Last updated: 2022-08-05 15:25:44

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