Fishery Notice

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) encourages all harvesters to check their crab 
measuring devices ("crab rulers" or calipers) to make sure they comply with 
Canadian minimum size limits outlined in the Pacific Fishery Regulations. 

The Department has been made aware that some fishing and sporting goods retail 
stores around the region have been selling crab measuring devices that do not 
include the correct legal minimum size limits for crab in Canada.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) reminds crab harvesters in British Columbia 
of their responsibility to ensure they only harvest male crabs that meet 
minimum size limits. 

Harvesters may not harvest Dungeness Crab that measure less than 165 mm (or 6½ 
inches) or Red Rock Crab that measure less than 115mm (or 4½ inches. 

Please be reminded that all undersized and female crabs must be returned to the 
water immediately, in a manner that causes least harm possible.   

Notes:

Recreational harvesters are advised to check the BC Sport Fishing Guide 
http://bcsportfishguide.ca for recreational fishing information.

First Nations food, social and ceremonial harvesters and commercial harvesters 
are reminded to review the licence conditions attached to their licences. 

Information on the recreational crab by trap fishery, including minimum size 
limits, can be found on http://bcsportfishguide.ca. For detailed information on 
all crab fisheries see the Integrated Fisheries Management Plan (IFMP), which 
is available online at http://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/Library/40679299.pdf 
or by contacting the fishery manager at the phone number below. 

Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation?  If so, please call 
the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line 
at 1(800) 465-4336.

For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at 
1-(866)431-FISH (3474).


7.FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Steven Groves  (250) 627-3455

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0526
Sent June 11, 2019 at 0840

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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 September 11, 2026 at 1245