December 7, 2024 11:30 a.m. 

Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery opens December 16 from Cape Falcon at Oswald State Park to the California border.

An announcement Friday from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said pre-season testing in this area shows crab meat fill meets criteria and domoic acid is below the safety threshold.

Pre-season testing in Long Beach, Washington shows crab meat fill is significantly lower than required for commercial harvest. Oregon will open the north coast in coordination with southern Washington to ensure consumers get a quality product and crab is not wasted. December 31 is the earliest this area could open.

The release said the commercial fleet can begin the presoak period -setting baited crab pots on the water – on December 13 from Cape Falcon to the California border. The presoak time gives permit holders a chance to get their get out in a equitable, organized and safe manner and all can begin harvesting crab December 16 in this area.

More information on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is available at www.541radio.com