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Reducing Risk of Marine Life Entanglements in Oregon Dungeness Crab Gear
For the past three decades, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has taken measures to limit fishing effort allowed for harvesting crab in Oregon's commercial Dungeness crab fishery for a variety of purposes. From limiting the number of boats and pots in the fishery to implementing a derelict gear removal program, these measures are the result of collaborative processes to sustainably manage the crab fishery, including reducing the risk of marine life entanglements. ODFW continues to work on building solutions to further reduce these risks, working with the crab industry, sport fishermen, conservation groups, federal agencies, and others on an on-going basis. This webpage is intended to provide information about ODFW's recent efforts to address and minimize marine life entanglements in Oregon Dungeness crab gear.
June 25, 2020 – The crab exhibit proposing a second phase of whale entanglement mitigation measures (see industry notice dated 6/5/20 for details) is now scheduled for the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission (OFWC) meeting on September 11, 2020. Please see the OFWC webpage here for updates on how to provide public comment on this agenda item. In preparation for this meeting, ODFW staff will be briefing the commission at the August 7, 2020 remote meeting as part of the Director’s Report. The briefing will consist of a non-rulemaking presentation to commissioners with an overview of the whale entanglement issue and our staff recommendations to reduce risk of whale entanglements, as will be presented again at the September 11 meeting.
April 6, 2020 - Due to COVID-19 response by the State, the crab exhibit portion of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting on April 17 has been postponed. We are working to figure out how to reschedule this regulatory package with our commission. Our plans for next steps could include temporary rules that we may consider for implementation during this season to reduce whale entanglement risk.
4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE :: Salem, OR 97302 :: Main Phone (503) 947-6000 or (800) 720-ODFW [6339]
Do you have a question or comment for ODFW? Contact ODFW's Public Service Representative at: odfw.info@odfw.oregon.gov
Share your opinion or comments on a Fish and Wildlife Commission issue at: odfw.commission@odfw.oregon.gov
Do you need this information in an alternative format or language? Contact 503-947-6042 or click here.
