Commercial Crab Season Opens Dec. 16 on Oregon Coast
Commercial crab season begins Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border
NEWPORT, Ore. — Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab season is set to open Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon south to the California border, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announced Monday. The timing ensures crab will be available for the holiday season.
The northern portion of the coast will remain closed for now as Oregon works to align its opening with Washington. That area will open once Long Beach-area crab meet the 23% meat-fill requirement, with the earliest possible opening on Dec. 31.
The commercial bay crab fishery will also open Dec. 16 in the same region and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31.
“Oregon’s crab fishery is an economic driver for coastal communities,” said Justin Ainsworth, ODFW’s Marine Resources Program Manager. “I appreciate crab fishermen being patient as we tried to align our opening with Washington, but the best option now is to open up what we can.”
The season will open with a fleet advisory urging vessels to avoid areas where whales are feeding or migrating to reduce the risk of gear entanglements.
The commercial fleet may begin presoak operations — setting baited pots in the water — starting Dec. 13 from Cape Falcon to the California border. All harvesting in this area can begin on Dec. 16.
ODFW will continue issuing weekly updates on the status of the north coast opening, along with industry notices and additional details.
Cover image: Our Oregon Coast LLC, Flickr
