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 14, 2023, to 23:59 hours May 19, 2023, 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;
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. 2023-RCT-167.


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
Mike Kattilakoski   mike.kattilakoski@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Brittany Myhal   Brittany.myhal@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Hong Tjhie hong.tjhie@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0429
Sent May 3, 2023 at 0937

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Printed from the Pacific Region web site on April 18, 2024 at 0259