Season Breakdown: January – April 2025
Oregon’s Commercial Dungeness Crab
Season Opening: Delays, Staggered Starts & Strong Prices
The 2024-2025 Oregon Dungeness crab season saw a later and staggered opening this year. The central and southern coast, from Cape Falcon to the California border, opened December 16, 2024, following preseason testing that confirmed crab were ready for harvest. The northern section, from Cape Falcon to the Washington border, faced additional delays due to lower meat fill, finally opening January 15, 2025, after a fourth round of testing showed crabs had reached optimal commercial harvest criteria.
This staggered approach was designed to ensure the best quality product for the market and to maintain the sustainability of Oregon’s most valuable fishery. The tri-state agreement with Washington and California continues to guide these coordinated efforts, with each state conducting test fishing and only opening areas when the required meat recovery thresholds are met.
Catch Volume Down, Prices Up
While the total catch volume is down compared to last year, the fleet is benefiting from strong ex-vessel prices. By mid-February, Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fleet had landed just under 14 million pounds, compared to 17.5 million pounds at this time last year. However, the total revenue to boats this season is over $83 million — outpacing last year’s $63 million at this point — thanks to prices that started around $5.00 per pound and quickly rose to $7.50 per pound at the dock.
For comparison, last year’s average price was $3.41 per pound in December, rising to $3.85 in January and $3.55 in February. The current higher prices are helping to offset the reduced volume, keeping the fleet’s bottom line healthy.
Market & Consumer Trends
Consumers continue to show strong demand for Oregon Dungeness crab, with retail prices reflecting the robust dockside market. In December, whole cooked crab averaged $8.99 per pound for consumers, with some markets reaching as high as $17.95 per pound by February. Live crab averaged $10.50 per pound at local seafood retailers, though some outlets reported running out of supply early in the season due to high demand and lower landings.
Fleet Activity & Industry Notes
As is typical, the commercial catch dropped off quickly after the initial months of the season. Many larger vessels have begun packing up their gear and moving on to other fisheries, such as groundfish or preparing for the start of shrimp season in April. Others are heading north to Alaska or focusing on maintenance and gear work.
Fishery managers note that while the catch is down this year, it falls within the normal range of cyclical fluctuations for the resource. The Dungeness crab population is known for its natural ups and downs, and the current season’s numbers are not cause for alarm, especially following several years of above-average landings.
Sustainability, Whale Entanglement & Gear Retrieval
The Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission and the fleet continue to prioritize sustainability and ocean stewardship. This season, efforts to reduce whale entanglement risk remain a top priority, with ongoing outreach about best practices and gear modifications. The commission is also supporting derelict gear retrieval programs, working with ODFW and industry partners to keep Oregon’s ocean clean and safe for both marine life and fishermen.
Looking Ahead
As the season transitions into spring, the commission will continue to monitor market trends, regulatory updates, and resource health. Fishermen are encouraged to stay engaged with commission communications and participate in upcoming meetings and outreach events.
Thank you to all Oregon Dungeness crab fishermen for your hard work, resilience, and dedication to maintaining the quality and sustainability of our fishery.
For questions, feedback, or to share your stories and photos from the season, contact the ODCC office or your local commissioner.
Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission
964 Central Ave
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420
(541) 267-5810
crystal@oregondungeness.org