Ocean Sport Crabbing Remains Closed in Oregon
OutdoorHub 12.02.11
Newport, OR – With the commercial Dungeness crab season delayed until at least Dec. 15, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reminds recreational crabbers the ocean is closed to them also.
Recreational harvest of Dungeness crab in Oregon’s bays and estuaries remains open.
“Sport crabbing in the ocean is delayed along with the commercial season,” said Justin Ainsworth, ODFW shellfish biologist. “We wanted to remind people of the delay because it’s pretty nice out there right now and weather forecasts are good into next week.”
The ocean commercial Dungeness crab season on the Oregon coast normally opens on Dec. 1, but can be delayed to ensure a high-quality product for consumers. Testing in November showed that crab in the majority of test areas coast wide did not meet minimum quality criteria. Fishery managers in Oregon, Washington and California decided to delay the opening at least until Dec. 15 to allow time for the crabs to fill out with more meat
