Oregon Dungeness crab fishery MSC certified

After seven years of assessment, the Oregon Dungeness crab fishery has been certified sustainable according to Marine Stewardship Council standards.

Crabs from the fishery have been commercially harvested along the Pacific coast since the late 1800s. Dungeness is Oregon’s most valuable fishery, with the 2009-2010 season harvesting 23.2 million pounds valued at USD 44.8 million. The state is currently the top producer of Dungeness crab worldwide. The crabs are harvested using steel pots at depths ranging between 9 and 146 meters.

The Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission served as the fishery client with 425 limited-entry license holders fishing primarily within 10 miles of the Oregon coast. A state managed fishery, Oregon’s Dungeness crab is regulated by size, sex and season, with only males harvested that meet a minimum size standard. Under-sized males and all females are returned to the water unharmed.

“We are very happy to have successfully completed the certification process and join the other fisheries in Oregon and around the world that have earned this important sustainability designation,” said Nick Furman, Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission executive director. “We anticipate that the MSC label will create new marketplace opportunities and recognition for Oregon Dungeness’ as awareness of and demand for certified seafood products grows.”