Crabbing Delay Extended Through January 15, 2025
The commercial Dungeness crab harvest in Pacific County has been officially delayed until at least January 15, 2025, due to subpar meat recovery rates in sampled crabs. Recent tests from the prime harvesting zone revealed only 22. 1% meat recovery, below the 23% threshold set by the Tri-State protocols governing crab harvesting in Washington, Oregon, and California. Shellfish managers announced this delay on December 23, 2024, based on prior sampling data, noting that two-thirds of the crabs assessed were too soft for processors. This situation highlights ongoing environmental and market challenges affecting the fishing industry, with significant economic implications for the region as crabbing enthusiasts await the season's start.