NEWPORT, Ore - Fresh Dungeness crab is on the menu for holiday feasts after fishery managers determined the Oregon commercial crab season is ready to open on Dec. 1 at 9 a.m.

Quality testing showed crab exceeded minimum pre-season test criteria in Oregon, Washington and California waters. Fishery managers from the three states met today and agreed to open commercial crabbing from the Klipsan Beach, Wash., to Point Arena, Calif. on Dec. 1.

Commercial crabbers are allowed to set their gear three days before the season opens, so ocean watchers will see the lights of crab boats off the coast as early as Friday, Nov. 28.

Hold inspections will be conducted on Sunday, Nov.30. Any vessel making crab landings in Oregon during the first 30 days of the fishery must be certified to have been free of Dungeness crab on Nov. 30.

Recreational harvest of Dungeness crab in the ocean off Oregon also opens Dec. 1. The recreational harvest of Dungeness crab in Oregon's bays and estuaries is open year round.

Contact: Kelly Corbett (kelly.c.corbett@state.or.us) or (541) 867-4741
Troy Buell (troy.v.buell@state.or.us) or (541) 867-4741