The roar of engines, the salty spray, and the clinking of claws against pots – it’s that time of year again in Oregon. But the commercial crabbing season isn’t just about delicious crustaceans, it’s a story of weather, resilience, and a price tag that can fluctuate like the ocean tides.
Past Seasons: A Tale of Two Tides and Two Price Tags:
2022: Remember the record-breaking haul of over 31.5 million pounds? Well, that bounty translated to an equally record-breaking ex-vessel price, averaging an eye-watering $5.33 per pound! Crab lovers rejoiced, but for some fishermen, the high volume masked lower overall catch due to smaller crab sizes.
2023: Mother nature threw a curveball this year. Delayed start, lower meat yields, and biotoxin concerns painted a different picture. As of now, only parts of the coast are open, with prices starting lower than last year at around $3.50 per pound. But remember, the season’s just getting started, and prices can swing with each incoming tide.
Pricey Pinches and Plump Profits: A Historical Rollercoaster:
Oregon’s Dungeness crab prices have a history wilder than the waves they’re harvested from. The “crab drought” of 2019 saw prices soar to $8 per pound, leaving both fishermen squeezed and crab lovers shelling out extra dough. Conversely, a bumper harvest in 2020 sent prices plummeting to $2.50 per pound, creating a crustacean feast for bargain hunters.
What Does the Future Hold?
Predicting crab prices is about as easy as predicting the weather – always keep an eye out for those storm clouds! Sustainable practices, responsible harvesting, and adapting to the ocean’s whims are key to keeping this vital industry and its delicious rewards afloat.
So, raise a glass (or a crab claw) to Oregon’s crabbers, weather the ups and downs of the season, and remember, every bite of that sweet Dungeness crab comes with a story of grit, determination, and the ever-changing bounty (and price tag) of the Pacific.
Want to stay in the loop? Check out the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for the latest season updates, regulations, and even ex-vessel price reports: https://www.dfw.state.or.us/mrp/shellfish/commercial/crab/commercial_crab_harvest_areas.asp: