Fishery Notice

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 May 12, 2026, to 23:59 hours May 15, 2026, in Stuart Channel (Subareas 17-5, 17-6, and 17-9), Saanich Inlet (Subareas 19-7 to 19-12 inclusive), and Alberni Inlet (Subareas 23-1 to 23-3 inclusive). This action is to allow for the completion of comprehensive spawner index sampling at the start of the commercial fishery.  
 
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; 
Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala (Lull/Hoeya) Marine Refuge;
Lophelia Reef Marine Refuge;
Race Rocks Ecological Reserve and Area of Interest (AOI); 
Whytecliffe Park;
Porteau Cove; 
Point Atkinson; and 
Vancouver Harbour between Lions Gate Bridge and Ironworkers Memorial Bridge (also known as Second Narrows Bridge).
  
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. 

Daily, possession and trap limits are in effect coast-wide.  

Variation Order Nos. 2026-RCT-221 and 2026-RFQ-222.

Please be reminded that the recreational daily quota (daily limit) for Shrimp, including Prawn, is 125. The combined possession limit is 250, which is twice the daily quota (daily limit). 

Refer to the B.C. Sport Fishing Guide for further information 
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html 
 
To plan ahead, refer to the following website: Seasonal Prawn Closures 
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/shellfish-coquillages-eng.html#prawn

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dillon Buerk dillon.buerk@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Brittany Myhal Brittany.myhal@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Tamara Brown Tamara.brown@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0467
Sent May 8, 2026 at 1626

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Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on June 12, 2026 at 2359