About The Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission

History

The Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission (ODCC), established by an act of the Oregon Legislature in 1977, is an industry-funded agency and part of the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Commission Program. This unique program allows “growers” to tax themselves and then use the pooled funds to increase their commodity’s recognition, value and use.

The ODCC office is located in Coos Bay, on the southern Oregon coast. Funding comes from an assessment based on one percent of the catch value for all Dungeness crabs landed in the state. Those funds make up the entire budget for the Commission, and are used for a wide variety of projects relating to its stated mission and purpose.

The Commission has eight members, appointed from the industry by the Director of the Department of Agriculture. Five members are from the harvesting sector (crab fisherman) and two members represent crab processors. An eighth seat is for a public at large member. Commissioners are appointed to three-year terms. The Commission holds a minimum of four public business meetings a year, with day-to-day affairs conducted by the Executive Director and 1 staff member.

Mission

The Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission’s mission is to enhance the image of the Oregon Dungeness crab fishery through promotion, education and research. We strive to assist our fishery as it works to ensure a healthy ocean by maintaining the structure, productivity, function, and diversity of the ecosystem. Our commitment is to a sustainable fishery with long-term ecological benefits that will increase opportunities for success.

The Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission’s primary functions include:

Primary Functions

Marketing & Promotion
Targeted Promotions
Advertising
“Point of Sale” Material
“Inflatable” Program
Trade Shows
Information
Trade leads/ Contacts
Suppliers Guide
Market Data
Consumer Materials
Education & Research
Pre-Season Testing
“Crab Information” Classes & Group Presentations
ODCC Scholarship Programs
Funding of Industry Research projects

Commissioners

Kyle Horgan / Astoria*
(Term ends 06/30/24)
Mike Retherford / Newport (Interim Chair)
(Term ends 06/30/26)
Bob Eder / Astoria
(Term ends 06/30/25)
John Moody / Newport*
(Term ends 06/30/25)
Jared Reeves / Charleston
(Term ends 06/30/26)
Brian Nolte / Brookings
(Term ends 06/30/25)
Jacob "Jake" Fletcher / Charleston
(Term ends 06/30/24)
Leif Eric Benson / Public Member
(Term ends 06/30/24)
*Processor Representative

Staff

Crystal Adams / Executive Director
Rachel Plautz / Office Manager / Administrative Assistant

Links

Protect US Fishermen – Find details on the current push to place wind turbine farms off the coast of Oregon, but also learn about the sustainable seafood industry and its positive impacts on the economy and food security.
EatOregonSeafood.org – Use the map and business listings to find seafood caught or grown in Oregon. Search for recipes, or share your own using #EatOregonSeafood.
RODA Fisheries – Responsible Offshore Development Alliance – coalition committed to improving the compatibility of new offshore development with fishing industry.
Oregon Albacore Commission – Resources and information for West Coast ‘Troll-Caught’ Albacore.
Oregon Albacore Commission/Education pages– Educational pages to introduce young and old to the Salmon, Groundfish (sole, rockfish, Pacific Whiting), Dungeness Crab, Albacore Tuna, and Pink Shrimp commercial fisheries.
Oregon Salmon Commission – Information about the Oregon salmon industry.
Oregon Trawl Commission – Information about the Oregon bottom-fish & shrimp industry.
Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association – (OCZMA)
Oregon Department of Agriculture – Information about the ODA and its various programs.
SOORC – Southern Oregon Ocean Resource Coalition is a group focused on marine-related interests on the Southern Oregon Coast engaged in proposed uses of Oregon’s coastal waterways.
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife – Oregon Dungeness crab fishery management plan.
Oregon Sea Grant – Information and publications on commercial fisheries and seafood.
West Coast Seafood Processors Association – A trade association serving processors in Oregon, Washington and California.
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission – OR,WA,CA crab information.
Marine Weather Link – NOAA marine weather. Japan Tsunami Debris Website – NOAA

Employment Opportunities

Season is open and vessels, processors, unloading facilities, and markets are all looking for employees if you are interested in getting into the crabbing business, please contact our office to be directed to the nearest facility hiring.