Oregon Dungeness Crab Fishery Management Plan

Identification Information

Citation

Originator: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildllife

Publish Date: 2022

Online Link: None

BPA Project #:

Contact Information

Agency: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Name: Cedric Cooney

Job Position: Natural Resources Data and Systems Manager

Telephone: 503-947-6094

E-Mail Address: cedric.x.cooney@odfw.oregon.gov

Description

Abstract: Dungeness crab is a key component of the marine ecosystem along the Pacific coast. The Dungeness crab fishery in Oregon is comprised of three targeted fishery sectors (the ocean commercial, bay commercial, and recreational Dungeness crab fisheries), with the ocean commercial fishery typically constituting the most valuable single-species fishery in the state. All Dungeness crab fishery sectors are managed at the state level with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) as lead agency. Formal stock assessments are not employed to determine annual exploitation levels. Instead, ODFW manages this resource through a ‘3-S’ management strategy limiting harvest based on crab size, sex, and season. This management system has remained relatively stable over time. The fishery currently faces a range of complex management challenges that are described throughout this plan, along with the tools and strategies employed to address them. Current issues facing the fishery are largely social or economic in nature, or related to changing ocean and climate conditions. The purpose of the Oregon Dungeness Crab Fishery Management Plan (FMP) is to provide management transparency and facilitate good governance. This plan comprehensively assesses the current knowledge of Dungeness crab and describes the current management strategy for harvest of the resource.

Purpose: The management goals for the fishery aim to support the long-term well-being of the Oregon Dungeness crab fishery, coastal communities, and larger ecosystem. As defined in this plan, the primary management goals are: 1) Ecological – Ensure the long-term reproductive capacity of the Dungeness crab population, minimize impacts to other species, and support ecosystem health. 2) Social/cultural – Promote diverse opportunities for present and future generations to harvest, use, or enjoy the Dungeness crab resource. 3) Economic – Support the economic vitality of the Dungeness crab fishing industry and coastal communities. Specific objectives that support these goals are described in the Harvest Management Strategy section of this plan.

Time Period of Content:

Geographic Extent: Oregon Coast

Status: Final

Use Constraints:

Format: PDF

Data Quality Information

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Data Information

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Entity and Attribute Information

Attributes Description: Field attribute information is available in the attached file(s).

Is a physical copy maintained for reference at Headquarters? Unknown