Why the Delay?

Both Oregon and California are taking a cautious approach this year, delaying the start of their commercial Dungeness crab seasons to ensure the crabs meet the necessary quality and safety standards.

Oregon:

On November 20th, 2024, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) announced that the state’s commercial Dungeness crab season will be delayed until at least December 16, 2024. Pre-season testing showed that the crabs in some areas had lower-than-usual meat yields, and there were “elevated levels of domoic acid”—a naturally occurring toxin—in some crabs’ viscera (guts) along the southern coast. By postponing the season, ODFW is making sure that only crabs with the best meat quality and lowest toxin levels are harvested.

California:

In California, the commercial crabbing season has also been delayed. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) made the decision after similar concerns about crabs’ meat yield and elevated toxin levels in some areas along their coast. This precautionary measure is designed to protect both the health of the crabs and the consumers who enjoy them by making sure that the crabs are at their peak quality when they hit the market.

What Does This Mean for You?

Although the delay might be inconvenient for crab lovers, it’s important to remember that this decision ensures you will receive only the best crabs when the season opens. Here’s what you can expect:

• Better Quality: By giving the crabs more time to reach their optimal meat yield, you’ll get crabs that are fuller, sweeter, and more flavorful when the season finally opens. No one wants underfilled crabs, and by waiting just a bit longer, you’ll get the best the ocean has to offer.
• Safety First: Elevated domoic acid levels in crab viscera can be harmful if consumed in large amounts. This delay helps ensure that only crabs that are safe to eat will be harvested, giving you peace of mind that the crabs you’re enjoying are both delicious and safe.
• No Compromise on Freshness: While the delay may mean that fresh Dungeness crab won’t be available immediately, rest assured that when the season opens, the crabs will be as fresh as ever. You’ll still get the same high-quality crabs that have made Oregon and California famous for their sustainable, flavorful crab harvests.

What’s Happening Next?

In both Oregon and California, additional testing will be conducted in the coming weeks to assess the crabs’ meat yield and toxin levels. The official season opening is dependent on further testing that will take place. The goal is to ensure that when crabbing does begin, it’s done responsibly, with the best interests of both consumers and the crabs in mind.  For Washington, crabbers are on track to start their Dungeness season on time, but as always, consumer safety and product quality remain top priorities. Stay tuned for any potential updates here.

A Look Back at the 2023-24 Seasons

For some perspective, the 2023-24 season also faced delays, though it resulted in a highly successful year for both Oregon and California. Despite the setbacks, Oregon’s commercial crabbing industry landed 24.7 million pounds of crab with an ex-vessel value of $93.6 million. Similarly, California’s season saw strong landings, demonstrating the resilience of the crabbing industry and its commitment to providing safe, sustainable seafood to consumers.

Why It’s Worth the Wait

We know it’s not ideal to wait for your favorite seafood, but when it comes to Dungeness crab, the quality and safety of the product are what matter most. The crabs are being given the time they need to grow to their full potential, ensuring you get a sweet, tender, and flavorful product every time.

When the season finally opens, you can be confident that the crabs you’ll be enjoying are the best of the best—sustainably harvested, carefully tested, and safe to eat.