Dungeness crab can be on holiday dinner plates.
NEWPORT, Ore. – Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery opens Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon (Oswald State Park) to the California border the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Pre-season testing in this area shows crab meat fill meets criteria and domoic acid is below the safety threshold.
Pre-season testing in Long Beach, WA shows crab meat fill is significantly lower than required for commercial harvest. Oregon will open the north coast in coordination with southern Washington to ensure consumers get a quality product and crab is not wasted. Dec. 31 is the earliest this area could open.
The commercial fleet can begin the presoak period – setting baited crab pots in the water – on Dec. 13 from Cape Falcon to the California border. The presoak time gives permit holders a chance to get their gear out in an equitable, organized, and safe manner and all can begin harvesting crab Dec. 16 in this area.
Weekly season opening updates will continue to be posted until the decision is made to open the north coast.
Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery is sustainable due primarily to ODFW’s “3 S’s” management system.
- Season: while targeted to open Dec. 1, the season can be delayed or partially opened so consumers get a safe, high-quality product and crab are not wasted.
- Sex: female crabs cannot be taken and are released unharmed to ensure future harvest and a healthy population.
- Size: only mature male crabs at least 6 ¼ inches across the back of the shell can be harvested. Smaller male crabs are released.
Commercial crabbing in bays will open back up Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border in conjunction with the commercial ocean fishery. The commercial bay crab season closes at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31.
Check ODFW’s website for more on Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery