The season for recreational crab fishing in Puget Sound has drawn to a close, and with the end of this maritime pastime, crabbers who hold a winter Catch Record Card (CRC) are reminded that the deadline to report their harvests—or lack thereof—falls on Feb. 1. According to a release from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), even those who did not cast their lines or store any crabs are required to record this in their reports.
The department has made it clear that, while the window for snagging Dungeness crab has shut, the time for fishers to fulfill their obligations remains wide open. “Reporting your winter crab catch is a vital part of keeping this fishery healthy and well-managed,” said Don Velasquez, a WDFW shellfish manager, in a statement that underscores the importance of each crabber’s compliance. Whether the traps were teeming with harvest or returned empty, each report plays a significant role in maintaining a balanced crab population and ensuring fair fishing seasons in the future, as per WDFW.
For those unfamiliar with the reporting process, the WDFW has streamlined the option to provide information through the WILD System online. Newcomers should anticipate spending additional time setting up an account, a process requiring a username, password, and an email address. Wanting to avoid the hassle of digital forms, participants have the alternative to mail their CRCs directly to the WDFW CRC Unit. Questions about the process can be directed to the WDFW’s Licensing Division via email or by dialing 360-902-2464…