Prawn Closure

[SpringVelocity]

Skip to main contentBasic HTML version





Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Fishery Notice
Category(s):
RECREATIONAL - Shellfish
Subject:
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.

All prawns carrying eggs externally on the underside of the tail must be returned to the water immediately and in the manner that causes the least harm.

All other coastal areas remain open to the harvest of prawns and shrimp by trap, ring net, or spear while diving until further notice, except the following protected areas which are closed year round:

Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound Glass sponge Reef Marine Refuges;
Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site Strict Protection Zones;
Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound Glass Sponge Reefs Marine Protected Area;
Offshore Seamounts and Vents;
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve and Area of Interest;
Cadboro Point Navigation Light (10 Mile Point);
Whytecliffe Park;
Porteau Cove;
Point Atkinson; and
Vancouver Harbour between Lions Gate Bridge and Ironworkers Memorial Bridge (also known as Second Narrows Bridge).

Discovery Passage, southeastern shoreline of Hornby Island, Strait of Georgia Dive Closures (Area 15), Ogden Point, and Pacific Rim National Park are closed year round to spear while diving.

Variation Order Number 2023-RCT-458.


Refer to the BC Sport Fishing Guide for further information http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html

Refer to the following website to Plan Ahead: seasonal prawn closures http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/shellfish-coquillages-eng.html


FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Dillon Buerk 778-361-0119 dillon.buerk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Mike Kattilakoski 250-756-7315 mike.kattilakoski@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Brittany Myhal 250-739-9217 Brittany.myhal@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Hong Tjhie 604-666-8426 hong.tjhie@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1270
Sent December 1, 2023 at 1111

Return to Main Menu

Date modified:2022-10-07

 

[SpringVelocity]

I posted this as a reminder. There are areas carved out of pulse fishing this time around that usually are open despite closure. Just double check your area.

Hope some made it out over Xmas. Most areas closed till April 1st.

 

[Four-Reel Drive]

Seasonal recreational prawn and shrimp closures in Stuart Channel, Saanich Inlet and Alberni Inlet | Pacific Region | Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Seasonal recreational prawn and shrimp closures in Stuart Channel, Saanich Inlet and Alberni Inlet

www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

more info

 

[seachicken]

Thanks for that reminder. I was watching boats in Saanich inlet prawning from my parents house on 31 December. I was a little jealous and almost threw the tinny in but saw yesterday the regs changed. By far the cheapest prawning available for me in a 12' tinny with a 6 HP on it.