Regulations 



Regulations for the commercial taking of Dungeness crabs are 

 set by the regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the area where fishing 

 or landings occur. The fishing seasons open and close in different months 

 of the year according to the area, with the exception of the Columbia River 

 (Astoria) area, which is open the entire year. There are three regulatory 

 measures common to the three Pacific Coast States and Alaska: (1) The 

 taking of female crabs is prohibited; (2) the taking of crabs with soft shells 

 is prohibited; and (3) the commercial taking of Dungeness crabs in fishing 

 gear other than pots and ring nets is prohibited. 



Regulations governing the size of crab vary. In Alaska and 

 California, the minimum size is 7 inches across the top of the carapace, 

 between the extreme points of the lateral spines. Oregon regulations specify 

 6| inches, and Washington regulations 6| inches minimum size; both 

 Washington and Oregon require the measurement to be taken across the back 

 or top of the carapace and immediately in front of the lateral spines. 



PROCESSING 



Crabs are delivered alive to shore plants, generally located on 

 docks convenient to unloading facilities (fig. 3). Crabs must be kept alive 

 until they are processed. Large crabs with the claws and legs intact are 

 generally processed whole for the fresh-market trade. Crabs without legs 

 or claws are processed for picking, and the meat is marketed fresh, frozen, 

 or canned. 



Figure 3 - Live crabs in holding tank ready 

 for unloading at shore plant. 



