12/03/2008

Associated Press

Oregon crabbers are hauling in sizable catches despite earlier concerns the year would be a bust after the disappointing start to Central California's crab season.

Commercial boats are combing harbor waters as fisherman deliver their loads of fresh Dungeness to processors. It's one of the many signs that crab season has kicked off in Oregon.

Catches here are better than what fisherman down in California saw when they started in mid-November. While they were bringing in about four to 10 pounds of crab per pot, some Oregon fisherman were catching about 20 pounds, some even 80.

"There's a few crab around," said Hallmark Fisheries Production Manager Scott Adams. "It depends on where you're at."

But the season isn't without its headaches and dangers.

Many smaller boats weren't able to head out early this week after bad weather kicked up Sunday night and early morning, driving seas to about 16 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

Big seas can steal gear from the fisherman, pulling the crab pots from their resting spots, scattering and then burying them. Close to the shore where most of the crabs are, sneaker waves can easily tip a boat.

The season already was off to an ominous start when two people died Friday after a boat capsized near the port of Garibaldi and broke in two on the jetty. "It casts a pall over the start of the season," said Nick Furman, executive director of the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission.

And yet, on Monday, the season went on as usual.

At Hallmark, fisherman Tyler Long watched as his crew unloaded the crab. Adams checked the product transferred to totes and ready to be cleaned and cooked.

"This one's a little soft," Adams said. He pinched the leg of one of the crabs. It wasn't as filled out as it should be.

Most of the crabs though are firm, stuffed with meat. Ready for the market.

___

Information from: The World, http://www.theworldlink.com