Recreational crabbing season delayed two days

Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) delayed starting recreational crab season in Marine Area 7 North, which encompasses Blaine and Point Roberts, two days until Saturday, August 21. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community requested the state delay the season following the death of Swinomish tribal elder Lorraine Loomis.

Loomis, who died August 10 at the age of 81, served as the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission chairperson and Swinomish fisheries manager. Loomis became fisheries manager following the 1974 Boldt decision reaffirming treaty fishing rights and became commission chairperson in 2014 after Billy Frank Jr.’s death.

Postponing the season allows Swinomish tribal co-managers time to adjust and prosecute previously planned fisheries, according to a WDFW statement.

The season will be open Thursday through Monday every week until Monday, September 27. It will be open daily September 28-30.

Marine Area 7 North includes Blaine, Point Roberts and Bellingham. The daily limit is five Dungeness crabs per day, six red rock crabs per day and six tanner crabs per day.

For more information on recreational crabbing regulations, visit the WDFW website.