Dungeness Crab Season from Cape Falcon, Ore. to Calif. Border Opens Soon

Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery is scheduled to open Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon, inside Oswald State Park, to the California border.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced plans for the opener on Dec. 6, saying pre-season testing in the area shows crab meat fill meets criteria and domoic acid is below the safety threshold.

State fishery biologists said pre-season testing in Long Beach, Wash. shows crab meat fill is significantly lower than required for commercial harvest. Oregon officials said they plan to 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 the area could open, according to Oregon Fish and Wildlife.

Meanwhile, 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, according to Fish and Wildlife.

They will be allowed to begin harvesting crab in this area on Dec. 16.

ODFW officials said weekly season opening updates would be posted until the decision is made to open the north coast. The commercial Dungeness crab fishery is sustainable due primarily to ODFW’s management system as it regards seasons, size and gender, they said.

While targeted to open Dec. 1, the season may be delayed or partially opened so consumers get a safe, high-quality product and crab are not wasted. Female crabs can’t be taken and are released unharmed to ensure future harvest and a healthy population.

Only mature male crabs at least six and one-fourth inches across the back of the shell may be harvested. Smaller male crabs are released.

Commercial crabbing in bays reopens 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. on New Year’s Eve.

Source: https://fishermensnews.com/dungeness-crab-season-from-cape-falcon-ore-to-calif-border-opens-soon/