Originally Posted By: RUNnGUN
Another question I have after viewing the video, Can I legally break off one claw of a big red rock crab, which are very good eating, and throw the crab back? If not why?? Can the tribal members? Why?? I have seen lots of rock crab with a claws missing. BS in my mind.


I don’t think it’s legal for most of us. When the legality is questioned in the comments to the video, the crabber says “I’m tribal, we have our own rules”.
As to the question wether it should be legal to take one claw, (like they do in some east coast fisheries) the only place I’ve seen much discussion is on the Oregon board. What I remember is it takes a rock crab 3 molts to make a new claw, and they might only molt once a year, so even if they live long enough it takes awhile.
I think there may be a bit of a safety issue as well. If I catch a rock crab I’d rather throw him in a pot of boiling water rather than trying to rip one of his claws off.