December 5, 2024
Action: Opens recreational crab fishing seven days a week.
Effective date: Dec. 6 through Dec. 31, 2024.
Species affected: Dungeness, red rock, and Tanner crab.
Location: Marine Area 10.
Reason for action: State and Treaty co-managers agreed to increase the quota in Marine Area 10. Summer harvest estimates indicate that sufficient harvestable crabs are available to open a partial winter recreational season in Marine Area 10 with this new quota.
Additional information:Marine Areas 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, and 12 north of a line projected true east from Ayock Point have been open for recreational crab fishing since October 1. Marine Area 11 was opened on November 4.
Marine Area 12 south of a line projected true east from Ayock Point and Marine Area 13 will remain closed for the remainder of 2024.
The daily limit in Puget Sound is five Dungeness crabs, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6 1/4 inches. Crabbers may also keep six red rock crabs of either sex per day with a minimum carapace width of 5 inches, and six Tanner crabs of either sex with a minimum carapace of 4 1/2 inches. All Dungeness crabs retained during this time must be recorded on a winter catch record card.
Information contact: Don Velasquez, Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 725-3038.