Chuckled a bit over AuntyM's very succinct observation regarding the crab count debacle versus the way shrimp catch is monitored. Then I realized that she has created an argument for a new shrimp CRC .......... ouch!

Seriously, the WDFW's first responsibility is to manage resources in a manner to ensure long term healthy populations whether there is any harvest or a harvest that is commercial, recreational or some combination thereof.

Given the ongoing increase in population around Puget Sound and the corresponding increase in recreational demand in this close-in and comparatively safe inland water I also believe that all of Puget Sound non-tribal crabbing needs to transition to sport harvest. Note that all of P.S. south of crab areas 2E and 2W (call that Marine Areas 8 and 9) are currently reserved for recreational use and that area 8 (8-1 and 8-2) regularly see the sport harvest allocation met or exceeded during the summer season according to the Department's calculations and that is with the 4 day a week/5 crab a day limit.

Pretty frustrating to visit relatives in Biloxi MS and see all you can eat Dungeness buffets advertised at the casinos.