Seasonal ocean forecasts to improve predictions of Dungeness crab catch rates

One of the West Coast’s largest fisheries concentrates on the Dungeness crab. Credit: iStockphoto

Located off the coast of Oregon and Washington state, the commercial Dungeness crab fishery is one of the most valuable fisheries in the region. With economic values ranging from $77 to $216 million US dollars per year for the 2007/08 to 2019/20 crab seasons, the Dungeness crab fishery industry is one of the largest on the West Coast. In recent years, seasonal ocean forecasts have begun to inform decision making and management of marine resources. With this region experiencing environmental variability and change, it’s important to have operational ocean forecasts to improve predictions of Dungeness crab catch rates.