September 1, 2023
Action: Recreational crab seasons in Marine Area 7 North to open daily (7 days/wk) beginning Sept. 14.
Effective dates and open days:
- Immediately, through Sept. 13 – Open Thurs. through Mon. each week.
- Sept. 14 through Sept. 30. – Open daily (7 days/wk).
Species affected: Dungeness crab, red rock crab, tanner crab.
Location: Marine Area 7 North (Those waters of Marine Area 7 north and east of a line projected from Village Point, Lummi Island through the navigation buoy just east of Matia Island thence to the buoy at Clements Reef thence to the easternmost point of Patos Island, running along the northern shoreline of Patos Island and from the westernmost point of Patos Island true west to the international boundary and north of a line that extends from Point Francis on Portage Island, through the marker just north of Inati Bay on Lummi Island to Lummi Island)
Reason for action: In August, State and Tribal co-managers agreed to delay their fishery openings in this area to provide additional time for more of the legal-size male crab to reach hard shell condition. In recognition of that delayed start, additional dates are being added to this fishery in September.
Additional information: When open, the daily limit is five crabs per day for Dungeness crabs, six crabs per day for Red Rock crabs, and six crabs per day for Tanner crabs. All Dungeness crabs retained through Labor Day must be recorded on a summer catch record card. Crabs that are retained after Labor Day in open areas must be recorded on a winter catch record card.
All shellfish gear must be removed from the water on closed days.
Information contact: Aaron Dufault, Puget Sound Shellfish Manager, (360) 902-2791. Katelyn Bosley, Puget Sound Crustacean Lead (360) 302-6053.