Two marine areas reopening for late-season recreational crab fishing

November 26, 2019

Action: Marine Area 8-1 and Marine Area 8-2 will reopen for winter recreational crabbing. Crabbing will be allowed seven days a week in these areas through December 31.

Effective date: November 28, 2019 through December 31, 2019.

Species affected: Dungeness, red rock, and Tanner crab.

Location: Marine Area 8-1 and Marine Area 8-2.

Reason for action: These two areas closed at the end of the day on October 23rd because the State quota share had been exceeded. Since that time, State and Tribal co-managers have evaluated the fishery and agreed to increase harvest shares for these areas, which allows the recreational fishery to reopen for the remainder of the winter harvest period.

Additional information: State and Tribal co-managers also evaluated the Hood Canal fishery. Hood Canal (Marine Area 12 and that portion of Marine Area 9 north of the Hood Canal Bridge to a line connecting Olele Point and Foulweather Bluff) will remain closed due to poor harvest and low abundance trends. The daily limits in all open Marine Areas are five crabs per day for Dungeness crab, six crabs per day for Red Rock crab, and six crabs per day for Tanner crab. All Dungeness crabs retained during this time must be recorded on a winter catch record card.

Information contact: Katelyn Bosley, Port Townsend Office, (360) 302-3030 ext. 319.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on definitions and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing-hotlines to find a list of mobile, web, print, or customer service phone options for the latest rule information.

Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.