Washington Dept. of Fish and WildlifeSHELLFISH

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For in-season emergency regulation changes, call the commercial crab hotline at (360) 796-4601 ext. 320

Fishery Information Current Season
* Landings for the Current Season
* 2007-2008 Commercial Crab Quick Reporting Form (PDF)
* Non-commercial and Limited Commercial Zones
* 2007 WDFW Letter to Commercial Fisherman
* Online derelict fishing gear reporting now available

General Information
* History of the Fishery
* Historic Landings in Puget Sound
* Puget Sound Crab Association
* Crab tagging research project
* Commercial Fishing Picture Gallery
* Vessel Traffic - Tug and Log Tow Routes

Rules and Regulations
* WAC 220-22-400 Marine Fish-Shellfish Management and Catch reporting Areas, Puget Sound.
* WAC 220-16-260 Puget Sound Crab Management Regions
* WAC 220-52-040 Commercial crab fishery - Lawful and unlawful gear, methods, and other unlawful acts.
* WAC 220-52-043 Commercial crab fishery -- Additional gear and license use requirements.
* WAC 220-52-046 Crab fishery -- Seasons and areas.
* WAC 220-20-025 General provisions -- Shellfish.
* WAC 220-52-035 Commercial shellfish pot gear - Escape mechanism required.
* WAC 220-16-440 San Juan Islands Marine Preserve Area.
* WAC 220-69-240 Duties of commercial purchasers and receivers.
* WAC 220-20-080 Direct Retail Sales Endorsement.

Licensing
* Commercial/Special License Fees
* License Applications

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Commercial Puget Sound Crab Fishing

Vessel Traffic - Tugs and Log Tows

Map of Saratoga Pass Route Map of San Juan Route

Tugs and log tows frequently move through Puget Sounds waters and are quite limited in terms of their ability to maneuver. They can entangle the buoys and lines of crab and shrimp traps set in their path. Crab and shrimp traps which become entangled are dragged away and are removed at the tug's destination or are lost along the route. Traps that are tangled in log tows are costly because they must be replaced or removed/returned to their owners. Traps not recovered will become derelict and may continue to kill crabs if not equipped with the required biodegradable device.

Dunlap Towing has kindly provided information on the primary routes and locations of tug and log barge activity in the northern part of Puget Sound. The primary routes are shown in red on the charts below, although deviations may occur because of tidal and weather conditions. If you have specific questions about this information OR if you want up-to-date tug and log barge activity in your area, please contact Dunlap's Everett Dispatch Number at 425-259-4163.

Saratoga Pass Log Tow Routes

San Juan Islands Log Tow Routes


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