Some areas of Puget Sound reopening for late-season recreational crab fishing

September 30, 2019

Action: Marine Area 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, Marine Area 5, Marine Area 6, Marine Area 7, Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2, and Marine Area 9 except those waters between the Hood Canal Bridge to a line connecting Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point, will open on October 1 for winter crabbing. Crabbing will be allowed seven days a week through December 31.

Effective date: See above.

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

Location: Marine Area 4 east of the Tatoosh-Bonilla line, Marine Area 5, Marine Area 6, Marine Area 7, Marine Area 8-1, Marine Area 8-2, and the portion of Marine Area 9 except those waters between the Hood Canal Bridge to a line connecting Foulweather Bluff to Olele Point.

Reason for action: Preliminary summer harvest estimates indicate that these areas can open to recreational harvest on the dates indicated. The start dates will aid in achieving 50/50 harvest goal with the Treaty Tribes.

Additional information: The daily limits in all Marine Areas will be: Five crabs per day for Dungeness crabs, min. size 6 1/4", males only, and in hardshell condition. Six crabs per day for Red Rock crabs, min. size 5", either sex. Six crabs per day for Tanner crabs, min. size 4 1/2", either sex, and in hardshell condition.

All Dungeness crabs retained during this time must be recorded on a winter catch record card.

Information contact: Don Velasquez, Mill Creek Regional Office, (425) 775-1311 ext. 112.

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.