Action: Opens winter crab seasons in Marine areas 4 east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, 5, 6, 7 (North and South), 9, and 12 north of a line projected due east from Ayock Point; crabbing is allowed seven days a week Oct. 1–Dec. 31 in these areas.
Effective date: Oct. 1–Dec. 31, 2026.
Species affected: Dungeness, red rock, and Tanner crab.
Locations: Marine Area 4 east of the Tatoosh-Bonilla line, Marine Area 5, Marine Area 6, Marine Area 7, Marine Area 9, and Marine Area 12 north of a line projected due east from Ayock Point.
Reason for action: Preliminary summer harvest estimates indicate adequate amounts of legal-size male Dungeness crabs in hardshell condition are present in these areas to open for recreational harvest as indicated. These seasons will aid in achieving 50/50 harvest goals with the Treaty Tribes.
Additional information: The opening of winter recreational crab seasons in Marine areas 8-1 and 8-2 is delayed until additional sampling confirms that sufficient numbers of legal-size male Dungeness crabs have transitioned from softshell to hardshell condition. Additional time and final catch estimates are needed to determine whether Marine Areas 10 and 11 can offer any winter recreational opportunity. Marine Area 12 south of a line projected due east from Ayock Point and Marine Area 13 will remain closed for the remainder of 2026.
The daily limits in all Puget Sound Marine Areas is five crabs per day for male Dungeness crabs, six crabs per day for Red Rock crabs, and six crabs per day for Tanner crabs. All Dungeness crabs retained during this time must be recorded on a winter catch record card.
Information contact: Don Velasquez, North Puget Sound Region, 425-725-3038.