Dungeness Crab Season Delayed Again; Harvest Delayed Until Dec. 31

NEWPORT – For the second time this season, the commercial Dungeness crab season has been delayed.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife made the call Monday, citing poor quality crab, at least in some areas.

"We had decent test results from central coast and in Astoria and Brookings," said Troy Buell, ODF&W fishery management program leader. "The crabs didn't meet the criteria at test stations in southern Washington and northern California. Because we try to coordinate between the three states, we decided to delay opening day until Dec. 31."

The earliest the season can normally open is Dec. 1. Last year, the season was delayed until Dec. 15 for most of the state, except Port Orford south and Northern California, where the season was closed until Jan. 15.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: The Oregonian