Coastal Commercial Dungness Crab Fishers and Processors WDFW Industry Notice
January 11, 2008

The opening of the state fishery in the area
between Destruction Island and U.S.-Canadian Border
will be delayed until further notice.

Our 2007/2008 Harvest Management Agreement with the Quileute Indian Tribe includes a provision to provide Quileute fishers with 20 fishable days between December 1, 2007 and January 15, 2008. The intent of both parties is to try and ensure Quileute tribal fishers have a fair opportunity to access the coastal Dungeness crab resource.

Based on the agreed to weather criteria, we currently project that there will be less than 20 fishable days between December 1, 2007 date and January 15, 2008. As a result, the start date of the state season in the area between Destruction Island and the U.S. Canadian Border will be delayed until further notice. However, we will open the state’s fishery no later than February 1, 2008 regardless of whether or not 20 fishable days have been achieved. Next week we intend to provide you an update.

If you have any questions pertaining to this notice please call Brandon Bryant (360) 249-4628 ext. 229.