Dungeness Crab

Washington’s Coastal Dungeness Crab Commercial Season Opens Feb. 1

January 29, 2024 Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

The coastal Dungeness crab industry is one of the most important commercial fisheries in the state, particularly for coastal communities and economies. According to a recent report by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the value of state crab landings during the 2022-23 season was $64.6 million. This is the second-highest total value recorded in the past 10 years, surpassed only by the previous season high of $88.2 million in 2021-22. …

Oregon’s Commercial Dungeness Crab Season is Officially Back

December 19, 2023 KMTR

Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab season is officially back, stretching from Cape Foulweather to the California border. …

California’s Commercial Dungeness Crab Season Delayed for the Sixth Year in a Row to Protect Whales

October 31, 2023 Associated Press

The start of the commercial Dungeness crab season in California has been delayed for the sixth year in a row to protect humpback whales from becoming entangled in trap and buoy lines. …

Oregon Extends Crab Fishing Restrictions to Protect Whales from Getting Caught in Trap Ropes

August 18, 2023 Associated Press

Oregon has extended rules restricting the state’s lucrative Dungeness crab fishery in order to protect humpback whales from becoming entangled in ropes attached to crab traps, the state’s fish and wildlife department has announced. …

Dungeness Crab Harvest Delayed Off WA, OR Coast

January 10, 2023 Hal Bernton, Seattle Times

The prime Dungeness crab harvest grounds stretching from Klipsan Beach, Washington, to Cape Falcon, Oregon, will not open until Feb. 1 due to surveys that found legal-sized males still lacked enough recoverable meat in their shells. …