Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife issues crab gear reminders

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has issued reminders regarding legal gear usage following the closure of crab pot seasons in several coastal marine areas. The closures began on September 16 for Willapa Bay (Marine Area 2–1) and various south coast areas, including Marine Area 1 and Marine Area 2.

Authorities clarified that while ring nets and traps allowing free movement are legal, hoop nets—also known as dome pots or conical nets—are prohibited during these closure periods. The regulation aims to prevent mortality among molting crabs, which are vulnerable when trapped in gear that does not allow them to exit freely.