Washington, Oregon, and California have all seen significant delays in their Dungeness fisheries openers this year. Domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin, caused state Fish and Wildlife authorities to close fisheries up and down the west coast this winter until Health Department tests determined in late December that toxin levels were below the action level ensuring safe crab for both recreational and commercial fishers. Both Washington and Oregon began their 2016 seasons with pot soaks on Jan. 1 and first pulls on Jan. 4, the official season opening date.
Fresh, huge, succulent Dungeness crab are now being delivered to the docks, processed and distributed worldwide, once again.
Unfortunately, recent media coverage of domoic acid woes and the spread of additional misinformation regarding the safety of Washington State crab has been rampant, resulting in a negative impact to the commercial crabbing industry.
With the recent start of the season, WEfish, a non-profit based in Westport, Wash. that supports and promotes the commercial fishing industry, is determined to spread the news that Washington crab is clean, fresh, and 100% safe.
To that end, on Tuesday, Jan. 5, WEfish hosted a fresh crab sampler for local and regional state legislators at the annual Greater Grays Harbor Inc. Legislative Send-Off event held at Aberdeen’s Rotary Log Pavilion. State Representatives and Senators, local mayors and county commissioners were all in attendance.
Ocean Gold, a local Westport processor and a subsidiary of Ocean Companies, LLC. provided the fresh Dungeness crab for the event. At peak season, Ocean Gold employs hundreds of workers.
Following the inside question-and-answer session regarding hot topics expected to be addressed at the current legislative session, several members of WEfish, decked out in their XTRATUF fishing boots, were happy to serve crab cocktails and spread the word about their catch on the patio that fronts the Pavilion.
“The public’s perception of the safety of our seafood is directly related to our ability to put food on the table,” said Adrienne Jones, a member of WEfish. Jones is married to a long time crabber Justin Jones, and together the couple recently purchased their own boat and crab operation.
Legislative leaders at the event were more than willing to stand behind the state’s commercial fishing industry — an economic backbone to most coastal Washington communities.
When asked his feelings on the safety of the crab, longtime 19th District Rep. and Aberdeen resident Brian Blake said, “Undoubtedly! Our regulatory program is one of the finest. This crab is the safest in the world.“
“If this crab wasn’t safe, it wouldn’t be on the shelves,” added State Senator Dean Takko of Longview.
Al Carter, with Ocean Companies, said, “Washington State has the most stringent testing in the world, so Washington Dungeness crab is 100% safe to eat. Our communities depend on safe and sustainable fisheries. We applaud the efforts to keep our fishery safe and sustainable. From our pots to your table, fresh as can be.”
The WEfish representatives shared with the legislators that the industry’s need for their support is vital and thanked them for joining in the crab feast, thereby not only showing the public that Washington Dungeness crab is safe and better than ever, but also showing their constituents and the crabbing industry that our political leaders support their way of life.
WEfish was formed with the express interest to promote and educate the public on the value of commercial fishing, and to serve the commercial fishing community.
The Jan. 5 crab event was one way to accomplish that mission. Maintaining a positive relationship with the public, even in the midst of domoic acid issues, is critical to the industry.
Washington’s Seafood Industry is a wonderful story - comprised mostly of small family businesses, harvesters on hundreds of individual boats that employ three to four people on average. Together, their catch results in a multi-billion dollar impact to Washington’s economy.
Molly Bold is the current President of WEfish