Puget Sound starts getting crabby with it for summer 2023
The 2023 Puget Sound summer crab-fishing season is now underway. It started July 1.
A crab biologist with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife says the boat ramp in Everett on opening day was as busy as he's ever seen it.
Just be aware some areas will have limited crabbing or will remain closed because Dungeness crab numbers are still low. And a reminder: Crabbing will be closed on the July 4 holiday.
“The summer seasons being announced today are very similar to what was announced for summer 2022," said Don Velasquez, WDFW crustacean biologist. "Some areas with continued low abundance of Dungeness crab will see limited seasons or remain closed this year to continue to promote Dungeness population recovery.”
Marine Area 12, which is in Hood Canal, south of Ayock Point, is one such area that is closed to crabbing because of low populations. So is Marine Area 13, which is south Puget Sound.
Which areas are open for crabbing this summer? Check here for a full list.
Washington state continues to grapple with green crabs, an invasive species that destroys habits for native wildlife, including local crabs. The invasion has prompted concern among the region's shellfish growers, and Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency over the green crabs in January 2022.
