Crabbing delay extended through Jan. 15

Commercial Dungeness crab season is being delayed until at least Jan. 15 after sampling found crab in the prime area between Klipsan Beach and the mouth of the Columbia River still slow to harden and put on meat.

The decision, which had been expected, was announced Dec. 23 by shellfish managers for the three mainland West Coast states operating under what are called the Tri-State protocols. These rules require Washington coast crab to have at least 23% meat recovery before harvesting can start. Samples taken on Dec. 20 found 22.1% meat in Klipsan area crab. Two-thirds of crab were still softer than processors desire.

There was some good news, however. The section of Oregon coast from Cape Falcon to the Oregon-California border opened Dec. 16. Vessels that participate in the Dungeness crab fishery south of Cape Falcon may only deliver into the ports of Ilwaco and Chinook until further notice.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will be exercising an option to conduct a fourth test within the Long Beach Test Area before Jan. 7 and plan to update harvesters as soon as possible. If this area meets 23% meat recovery in that sampling, the mid-January opening will proceed.

The Westport test area was sampled on Dec. 16, and crab averaged 23.2% meat.

Although the commercial crab season traditionally started Dec. 1, delays have become common. The latest delay means local crabbers may be in time for Asian New Year celebrations that center around Jan. 29. Crab are a popular holiday menu item in Asia. Local consumers already have access to crab frozen from last season or brought in from elsewhere.