FOR CUSTOMERS
FOR SELLERS
FOR CRABBERS
Celebrate Oregon’s coastal heritage and show your support for one of the state’s most iconic industries with the new Oregon Dungeness Crab license plate! This eye-catching design features a bold, bright orange Oregon Dungeness crab against a light blue sea background, inspired by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission logo.
By purchasing this specialty plate, you’re not only adding a unique touch to your vehicle but also supporting vital programs that sustain and promote Oregon’s Dungeness crab fishery.”
Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission
Scholarship #175
Oregon Isn't Like Other Places
We appreciate the connection between natural splendor, cultural heritage, and adventurous choices in food.
There’s an almost sacred relationship between the cool, misty fishing communities on the Oregon coastline and the food we choose to put on our—and your—table.
More than 400 miles of rugged, undeveloped coastline makes the perfect home for a thriving harvest of Oregon Dungeness crab.
- The Oregon crab fleet has 424 boats.
- Crab Season typically runs from December to August.
- There are 6 major ports running the length of the Oregon Coast, from Astoria to Brookings.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is sending you this notice to inform you that on December 11th, 2025, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission (OFWC) received a formal petition (available here) from several conservation groups to adopt new measures and amend existing rules in the Oregon commercial Dungeness crab fishery to reduce the risk of marine life entanglements. The petition’s stated purpose is “to strengthen Oregon’s current entanglement risk reduction measures, create a pathway for authorization of safer pop-up fishing gear, and establish a process for timely public reporting of marine mammal or sea turtle entanglements in Oregon commercial Dungeness crab fishing gear.” Key requests include:
- Establishing a process for pop-up gear authorization,
- Adjusting late-season measures to include a 40% pot limit reduction and 30 fathom depth restriction (exempting pop-up gear), effective April 1 each season through 2028,
- Prohibiting conventional (non-pop-up) gear after April 1 each season starting in 2028,
- Requiring ODFW to provide public notice of any marine mammal or sea turtle entanglement in Oregon or in gear originating from Oregon within 48 hours of receiving a report, and
- Requiring emergency procedures be taken, including zonal or statewide closures to conventional gear, in response to confirmed entanglements of ESA-listed animals in Oregon crab gear (or unknown gear that may be Oregon crab gear).
News and Updates
File a Public Meeting Greivance
- Be in writing;
- Be filed with the public body within 30 days of the alleged violation;
- Set forth the specific facts and circumstances that are alleged to violate public meetings law;
- State the identity of the person filing the grievance; and
- Contain any other information required by Oregon Government Ethics Commission rules.
Crab
Recipes
FAQ
How can I support sustainable crabbing practices?
Supporting sustainable crabbing practices involves buying from reputable sources that follow responsible fishing methods and regulations. Look for certifications from organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and be mindful of local fishing practices.
How do I clean and prepare Dungeness crab for cooking?
To clean a live Dungeness crab, you should first cook it. Once cooked and cooled, you can remove the legs and claws, crack them to access the meat, and then clean out the shell and remove the gills. The body can be broken down into sections for easier eating.
Are there any health risks associated with eating Dungeness crab?
Like all seafood, Dungeness crab should be cooked thoroughly to avoid potential health risks such as foodborne illnesses. Ensure crabs are sourced from reputable suppliers to minimize risks related to contaminants.
What should I do if I find a Dungeness crab with eggs?
Female crabs with eggs, also known as “berried” crabs, should be returned to the water. Harvesting egg-bearing females is generally prohibited to protect the crab population.
What is the best way to store Dungeness crab?
Live Dungeness crabs should be kept in a cool, moist environment, ideally in a covered container or a cooler with ice packs. Cooked crab should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days or can be frozen for longer storage.
How do I obtain a crabbing license in Oregon?
A crabbing license is required for recreational and commercial crabbing. You can obtain a recreational crabbing license through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website or authorized vendors. Commercial licenses are available through ODFW as well, but they require additional permits and qualifications.
When is the Dungeness crab fishing season in Oregon?
The commercial crabbing season generally starts in early December and can last through the summer. Recreational crabbing seasons can vary, with some areas having year-round opportunities and others having specific seasons.
Are there any specific fishing regulations for Dungeness crabs in Oregon?
Yes, there are specific regulations, including size limits, catch limits, and seasonal closures to protect the crab population. The regulations may vary by location and time of year, so it's important to check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) for the most current rules.
What is the best way to eat Dungeness crab?
Dungeness crab can be enjoyed on its own or used in various dishes such as crab cakes, crab salad, or crab bisque. The meat is typically removed from the shell and served either hot or cold.
How do I cook Dungeness crabs?
To cook Dungeness crabs, you can steam, boil, or bake them. The most common method is to boil them for about 15-20 minutes in salted water. Always ensure the crab is fully cooked; the shell should turn a bright red-orange.
What are the nutritional benefits of Dungeness crab?
Dungeness crabs are low in fat and high in protein, making them a healthy option. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
How can I tell if a Dungeness crab is fresh?
Fresh Dungeness crabs should have a clean, ocean-like smell. The shell should be hard and intact, and the crab should be lively and active if live. If buying cooked crab, ensure the meat is firm and the color is bright white.
What makes Dungeness crabs special?
Dungeness crabs are prized for their sweet, tender meat and are a popular choice for seafood lovers. They have a distinctive, slightly sweet flavor and a rich, delicate texture.
What is a Dungeness crab?
The Dungeness crab is a species of crab found along the Pacific Coast of North America, from Alaska to California. It is named after Dungeness, a town on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
What is the legal size limit for Dungeness crabs in Oregon?
As of the latest guidelines, the minimum legal size for Dungeness crabs is typically 5.75 inches across the carapace (the shell). Always verify with local regulations as these can change.
How do I know if a Dungeness crab is male or female ?
To determine if a Dungeness crab is male or female, look at the underside of the crab. Males have a narrow, triangular-shaped abdomen (called a "apron"), while females have a broader, rounded apron.
How does the nutritional profile of Dungeness crab compare to other types of crab ?
Dungeness crab is a nutrient-dense seafood, offering high levels of protein, vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, while being low in fat and calories. Compared to other crabs, Dungeness crab is among the healthiest, with a sweeter and more delicate flavor. It provides similar protein content to other crabs but stands out with higher levels of certain nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium. Overall, Dungeness crab is a nutritious choice, providing essential vitamins and minerals with relatively low calorie and fat content
How can I support sustainable crabbing practices?
Supporting sustainable crabbing practices involves buying from reputable sources that follow responsible fishing methods and regulations. Look for certifications from organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and be mindful of local fishing practices.
How do I clean and prepare Dungeness crab for cooking?
To clean a live Dungeness crab, you should first cook it. Once cooked and cooled, you can remove the legs and claws, crack them to access the meat, and then clean out the shell and remove the gills. The body can be broken down into sections for easier eating.
Are there any health risks associated with eating Dungeness crab?
Like all seafood, Dungeness crab should be cooked thoroughly to avoid potential health risks such as foodborne illnesses. Ensure crabs are sourced from reputable suppliers to minimize risks related to contaminants.
What should I do if I find a Dungeness crab with eggs?
Female crabs with eggs, also known as “berried” crabs, should be returned to the water. Harvesting egg-bearing females is generally prohibited to protect the crab population.
What is the best way to store Dungeness crab?
Live Dungeness crabs should be kept in a cool, moist environment, ideally in a covered container or a cooler with ice packs. Cooked crab should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days or can be frozen for longer storage.
How do I obtain a crabbing license in Oregon?
A crabbing license is required for recreational and commercial crabbing. You can obtain a recreational crabbing license through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website or authorized vendors. Commercial licenses are available through ODFW as well, but they require additional permits and qualifications.
When is the Dungeness crab fishing season in Oregon?
The commercial crabbing season generally starts in early December and can last through the summer. Recreational crabbing seasons can vary, with some areas having year-round opportunities and others having specific seasons.
Are there any specific fishing regulations for Dungeness crabs in Oregon?
Yes, there are specific regulations, including size limits, catch limits, and seasonal closures to protect the crab population. The regulations may vary by location and time of year, so it's important to check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) for the most current rules.
What is the best way to eat Dungeness crab?
Dungeness crab can be enjoyed on its own or used in various dishes such as crab cakes, crab salad, or crab bisque. The meat is typically removed from the shell and served either hot or cold.
How do I cook Dungeness crabs?
To cook Dungeness crabs, you can steam, boil, or bake them. The most common method is to boil them for about 15-20 minutes in salted water. Always ensure the crab is fully cooked; the shell should turn a bright red-orange.
What are the nutritional benefits of Dungeness crab?
Dungeness crabs are low in fat and high in protein, making them a healthy option. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
How can I tell if a Dungeness crab is fresh?
Fresh Dungeness crabs should have a clean, ocean-like smell. The shell should be hard and intact, and the crab should be lively and active if live. If buying cooked crab, ensure the meat is firm and the color is bright white.
What makes Dungeness crabs special?
Dungeness crabs are prized for their sweet, tender meat and are a popular choice for seafood lovers. They have a distinctive, slightly sweet flavor and a rich, delicate texture.
What is a Dungeness crab?
The Dungeness crab is a species of crab found along the Pacific Coast of North America, from Alaska to California. It is named after Dungeness, a town on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
What is the legal size limit for Dungeness crabs in Oregon?
As of the latest guidelines, the minimum legal size for Dungeness crabs is typically 5.75 inches across the carapace (the shell). Always verify with local regulations as these can change.
How do I know if a Dungeness crab is male or female ?
To determine if a Dungeness crab is male or female, look at the underside of the crab. Males have a narrow, triangular-shaped abdomen (called a "apron"), while females have a broader, rounded apron.
How does the nutritional profile of Dungeness crab compare to other types of crab ?
Dungeness crab is a nutrient-dense seafood, offering high levels of protein, vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, while being low in fat and calories. Compared to other crabs, Dungeness crab is among the healthiest, with a sweeter and more delicate flavor. It provides similar protein content to other crabs but stands out with higher levels of certain nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium. Overall, Dungeness crab is a nutritious choice, providing essential vitamins and minerals with relatively low calorie and fat content