#1009062 - 05/21/19 08:55 AM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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River Nutrients
Registered: 11/25/01
Posts: 2844
Loc: Marysville
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I too am not a crab biologist but something that WSU said jumped out to me. In an earlier post he said "...easy to catch dozens of giant keepers …". 3 to 5 years ago I was consistently hearing about the great crab in MA 13 with exceptional size male crabs; makes you wonder that with lower exploitation rates on the red rock crabs whether we just have not seen the effected of lower recruitment.
Larry - your comments on the crabbing in MA 8-2 (my home waters as well) is concerning. In my search for water quality information I ran across some limited information that included the deep water of MA 8-2 with that of south Sound and South Hood Canal with low ph (7.5 or below) from a couple years ago. Have to stress that it is limited information but my concern levels are rising.
Wonder if any at WDFW has access to better water quality monitoring?
Curt
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#1009071 - 05/21/19 10:47 AM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: Smalma]
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River Nutrients
Registered: 10/22/09
Posts: 3020
Loc: University Place and Whidbey I...
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I too am not a crab biologist but something that WSU said jumped out to me. In an earlier post he said "...easy to catch dozens of giant keepers …". 3 to 5 years ago I was consistently hearing about the great crab in MA 13 with exceptional size male crabs; makes you wonder that with lower exploitation rates on the red rock crabs whether we just have not seen the effected of lower recruitment.
Larry - your comments on the crabbing in MA 8-2 (my home waters as well) is concerning. In my search for water quality information I ran across some limited information that included the deep water of MA 8-2 with that of south Sound and South Hood Canal with low ph (7.5 or below) from a couple years ago. Have to stress that it is limited information but my concern levels are rising.
Wonder if any at WDFW has access to better water quality monitoring?
Curt Your question/speculation regarding what may be going on with red rock is well worth exploring. My perception is that info on red rock populations is extremely limited which is a part of WDFW's concern about having what would essentially be a season where red rock is the primary targeted species. One must also keep in mind that the State was for several years unable to reach a Dungeness harvest agreement with the Nisqually tribe and that there was the perception that they were overharvesting and were doing so prior to the opening of the rec season. That led to one year when WDFW opened the season in MA 13 early to give recs some chance. Actual rec harvest was very low that year and remained so until last year's closure (but with tribes still able to take for personal and ceremonial use). Anecdotally, local sport shops were selling cheap crab pots by the pallet load for use in the tribal fishery.
_________________________
Remember to immediately record your catch or you may become the catch!
It's the person who has done nothing who is sure nothing can be done. (Ewing)
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#1009076 - 05/21/19 12:47 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: Larry B]
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Repeat Spawner
Registered: 12/06/07
Posts: 1388
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Received this info. from within the WDFW: "Final negotiations with the Tribes on management are finishing soon and the summer crab season will be announced shortly. Here are the anticipated, and yet not final start dates."
MA4-Thurs. July 4th. MA5,6,8.1,8.2,9, & 10- Thurs. July 4th. MA7 South- No specific date but sometime around the 3rd week of July. MA7 North- " " " " " " Thurs. Aug. 15th.
Once the season starts it will be open Thur.- Mondays of each week. Recognizing that this is unofficial there is no mention of MA 11 and MA 13 openings for either Dungeness or red rock as anticipated nor is MA 12 (Hood Canal) mentioned at all. Does that mean MA 12 will be closed in its entirety for 2019? Apologize for omitting MA11, 12, and 13 will likely be closed for 2019.
_________________________
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller. Don't let the old man in!
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#1009080 - 05/21/19 02:17 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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River Nutrients
Registered: 11/21/07
Posts: 7437
Loc: Olema,California,Planet Earth
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Here's another question, that sort of comes from comments that Sam Wright said about salmon. Essentially, what we have left is the most productive parts of the population. The lower production parts have been eliminated by habitat issues, harvest, etc.
Perhaps the same occurs with other resources. When crab, to pick an example at random, live in a generally quality environment with good water movement/exchange and so on they can sustain a (say) 75% exploitation of males >6". On a marginal environment (like 13 and 12) where water exchange is much more limited, etc., those same 6" males can sustain 50%. We seem to like one size fits all management paradigms.
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#1009082 - 05/21/19 02:33 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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River Nutrients
Registered: 10/22/09
Posts: 3020
Loc: University Place and Whidbey I...
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Received this info. from within the WDFW: "Final negotiations with the Tribes on management are finishing soon and the summer crab season will be announced shortly. Here are the anticipated, and yet not final start dates."
MA4-Thurs. July 4th. MA5,6,8.1,8.2,9, & 10- Thurs. July 4th. MA7 South- No specific date but sometime around the 3rd week of July. MA7 North- " " " " " " Thurs. Aug. 15th.
Once the season starts it will be open Thur.- Mondays of each week. Recognizing that this is unofficial there is no mention of MA 11 and MA 13 openings for either Dungeness or red rock as anticipated nor is MA 12 (Hood Canal) mentioned at all. Does that mean MA 12 will be closed in its entirety for 2019? Apologize for omitting MA11, 12, and 13 will likely be closed for 2019. Having 13 closed was a foregone conclusion and it was likely that 11 would also be closed. However, the talk at the last Advisory Group meeting was that a closure in 12 would be the southern portion of the Canal so a total closure of that MA would be somewhat of a surprise.
_________________________
Remember to immediately record your catch or you may become the catch!
It's the person who has done nothing who is sure nothing can be done. (Ewing)
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#1009089 - 05/21/19 05:18 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: Larry B]
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Repeat Spawner
Registered: 12/06/07
Posts: 1388
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It did mention MA 12 South of Ayock Pt. Not to familiar with the Canal. After looking at a map I didn't realize that leaves a substantial area North to the bridge available. My phone sucks to see the details. Thanks.
_________________________
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller. Don't let the old man in!
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#1009090 - 05/21/19 05:52 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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River Nutrients
Registered: 10/22/09
Posts: 3020
Loc: University Place and Whidbey I...
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My phone sucks to see the details. Thanks. I don't have that problem with my flip phone.
_________________________
Remember to immediately record your catch or you may become the catch!
It's the person who has done nothing who is sure nothing can be done. (Ewing)
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#1009097 - 05/21/19 07:17 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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Fry
Registered: 10/25/17
Posts: 26
Loc: Port Ludlow, WA
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It did mention MA 12 South of Ayock Pt. Not to familiar with the Canal. After looking at a map I didn't realize that leaves a substantial area North to the bridge available. My phone sucks to see the details. Thanks. So just to clarify, you expect MA12, North of Ayock Pt. to be open?
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#1009098 - 05/21/19 07:19 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: Carcassman]
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My Waders are Moist
Registered: 11/20/08
Posts: 3440
Loc: PNW
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Here's another question, that sort of comes from comments that Sam Wright said about salmon. Essentially, what we have left is the most productive parts of the population. The lower production parts have been eliminated by habitat issues, harvest, etc.
Perhaps the same occurs with other resources. When crab, to pick an example at random, live in a generally quality environment with good water movement/exchange and so on they can sustain a (say) 75% exploitation of males >6". On a marginal environment (like 13 and 12) where water exchange is much more limited, etc., those same 6" males can sustain 50%. We seem to like one size fits all management paradigms. Great post. I never thought of it this way.
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Maybe he's born with it.
Maybe it's amphetamines.
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#1009108 - 05/22/19 06:38 AM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: BillSteve]
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Repeat Spawner
Registered: 12/06/07
Posts: 1388
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It did mention MA 12 South of Ayock Pt. Not to familiar with the Canal. After looking at a map I didn't realize that leaves a substantial area North to the bridge available. My phone sucks to see the details. Thanks. So just to clarify, you expect MA12, North of Ayock Pt. to be open? Ayock Pt. South closure was a location mentioned. To say North will be open for sure would be speculation since final decisions have not been made. I guess we have to wait and see?
_________________________
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller. Don't let the old man in!
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#1009111 - 05/22/19 08:39 AM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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Fry
Registered: 10/25/17
Posts: 26
Loc: Port Ludlow, WA
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It did mention MA 12 South of Ayock Pt. Not to familiar with the Canal. After looking at a map I didn't realize that leaves a substantial area North to the bridge available. My phone sucks to see the details. Thanks. So just to clarify, you expect MA12, North of Ayock Pt. to be open? Ayock Pt. South closure was a location mentioned. To say North will be open for sure would be speculation since final decisions have not been made. I guess we have to wait and see? Guess so!
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#1009208 - 05/23/19 02:32 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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Spawner
Registered: 06/24/00
Posts: 554
Loc: Des Moines
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Growing up on a beach deep in area 13, there has always been huge numbers of rock crabs down there. Since I have found larger rock crabs in other areas, I have wondered if they were stunted by there numbers all at the same size. We would wade out with flashlights and waders in the winter 30 years ago and it was easy pickings. I never caught the first Dungeness I have seen there until years later. They do fish for Rock crab commercially. Check out this video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=T5BdemwSq0gAt 14:00 He removes the claws that are sold at Casinos and sends it back.
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#1009224 - 05/23/19 05:30 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: Jake Dogfish]
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Repeat Spawner
Registered: 12/06/07
Posts: 1388
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Too funny! Thanks for sharing!
_________________________
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller. Don't let the old man in!
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#1009236 - 05/23/19 08:09 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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Repeat Spawner
Registered: 12/06/07
Posts: 1388
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The latest post above brought up another question. When will the tribes get to put in vs recs? When will that be announced? Are they already in?
_________________________
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller. Don't let the old man in!
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#1009237 - 05/23/19 08:50 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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Repeat Spawner
Registered: 12/06/07
Posts: 1388
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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.
_________________________
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller. Don't let the old man in!
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#1009238 - 05/23/19 09:03 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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King of the Beach
Registered: 12/11/02
Posts: 5207
Loc: Carkeek Park
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Tribes usually start crabbing in June from what I’ve seen. SF
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Go Dawgs! Founding Member - 2023 Pink Plague Opposition Party #coholivesmatter
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#1009245 - 05/23/19 09:49 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: stonefish]
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River Nutrients
Registered: 10/22/09
Posts: 3020
Loc: University Place and Whidbey I...
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Tribes usually start crabbing in June from what I’ve seen. SF I've seen pots in MA 11 as early as Mother's Day.
_________________________
Remember to immediately record your catch or you may become the catch!
It's the person who has done nothing who is sure nothing can be done. (Ewing)
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#1009251 - 05/24/19 12:53 AM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced
[Re: RUNnGUN]
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Spawner
Registered: 06/24/00
Posts: 554
Loc: Des Moines
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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.
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#1009265 - 05/24/19 09:05 AM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: Larry B]
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King of the Beach
Registered: 12/11/02
Posts: 5207
Loc: Carkeek Park
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Tribes usually start crabbing in June from what I’ve seen. SF I've seen pots in MA 11 as early as Mother's Day. Always somebody jumping the gun. With the lack of crabs in MA 11, he must have felt the need to beat his brothers to the punch. Larry, All kidding aside, I thought I had read before on of the reasons the recs start later (July) is the state and tribes don't agree in regards to when the crabs will be soft or hard shelled. The tribe believes they are hard shelled earlier while the state doesn't. You seem to have the crab management pretty dialed in. Any truth to that? SF
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Go Dawgs! Founding Member - 2023 Pink Plague Opposition Party #coholivesmatter
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#1009277 - 05/24/19 12:16 PM
Re: When Will PS Crab Seasons Be Announced?
[Re: stonefish]
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River Nutrients
Registered: 10/22/09
Posts: 3020
Loc: University Place and Whidbey I...
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Tribes usually start crabbing in June from what I’ve seen. SF I've seen pots in MA 11 as early as Mother's Day. Always somebody jumping the gun. With the lack of crabs in MA 11, he must have felt the need to beat his brothers to the punch. Larry, All kidding aside, I thought I had read before on of the reasons the recs start later (July) is the state and tribes don't agree in regards to when the crabs will be soft or hard shelled. The tribe believes they are hard shelled earlier while the state doesn't. You seem to have the crab management pretty dialed in. Any truth to that? SF Okay, let me try. First, WDFW considers retaining a soft crab as wastage hence the regulation against keeping "soft" crab. It is also the basis for opening of commercial seasons on the coast with testing accomplished to determine that a certain percentage of crab are hard - and correspondingly in the area of 25% meat. That leads to the setting of recreational seasons of which there are several opening dates depending upon location and crab molting dates for those areas. So, the answer is yes....but that is not all. When the new policy was being developed there was a need to balance seasons and daily limits to stay within the State's share for each management area. Seasons were a combination of start/end dates as well as number of days per week. We ended up with a policy with a summer season July through Labor Day (except MA 7) and five days a week ( Thursday through Monday). Any residual poundage in a MA goes to a possible winter season in that MA. There is also the issue of orderly fisheries and it is my personal opinion that the July opener provides an opportunity for the tribal fisheries to occur without conflict with rec fisheries - whether intended or not. On the other side tribal seasons can occur any time but seem to precede recreational openings so as to be able to crab on the highest abundance. I do not know to what extent the individual tribes regulate the take of "soft" crab or whether that is constrained by what the buyers will accept. You probably knew a lot of that information but I hope it is of some value to others.
_________________________
Remember to immediately record your catch or you may become the catch!
It's the person who has done nothing who is sure nothing can be done. (Ewing)
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