One of the most important commercial fisheries in Washington, the commercial Dungeness crab fishery has an average (1990-2002) ex-vessel value of approximately $19.9 million. There are 223 Washington coastal commercial Dungeness crab license holders with approximately 200 fishers who are active participants in this highly competitive fishery. Each year, the season typically starts in December or January when tests show that the majority of the male crabs have recovered from the fall molt period. The fishery usually runs through Sept. 15.
The main ports of landing for the coastal commercial Dungeness crab fishery are Ilwaco, Chinook, Westport, Tokeland, and La Push, where the economic impact of this fishery is substantial.
Check out our 2023-24 Washington Coastal Dungeness Crab Fishery Newsletter (PDF) for information on the upcoming season and a recap of last season.
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Rules, regulations, and licensing information
Find the rules for the coastal commercial Dungeness crab fishery, as well as licensing information.
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Letters, industry notices, and general information
General information, letters to crab fishers, and industry notices for the coastal commercial crab fishery.
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Electronic Monitoring Information
Information on new rules that require coastal Dungeness crab fishery participants to have an operational electronic monitoring system.
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About the fishery
Coastal commercial crab grounds extend from the Columbia River to Cape Flattery near Neah Bay and include the estuary of the Columbia River, Grays Harbor, and Willapa Bay.
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Crab area maps
Informational maps about the commercial coastal Dungeness crab fishery.
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Commercial coastal crab fishery landings
Non-treaty coastal commercial Dungeness crab landings by area and month.
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Logbook instructions
The skipper of each vessel landing Dungeness crab in Washington is responsible for maintaining a logbook.
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Towlane and dredging information
Find towlane and dredging information, including links to towlane charts and maps.
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Marine life entanglement information and resources
An increase in marine life entanglements has occurred in recent years along the U.S. West Coast. Commercial Dungeness crab fishing gear collectively makes up the largest portion of identifiable gear found in entanglement cases.