Crabs not ready to harvest until at least December 15

Crab season, wich has been delayed on the Coastside by disputes between fishermen and processors, has now been officially put off until at least December 15.  Fisheries officials in California, Washington, and Oregon have delayed the season for three more weeks because the crabs are no ready to harvest, according to the County Times.

The larger Northern California fishery, which runs from Mendocino County to the Oregon border - along with fisheries in Oregon and Washington - will remain closed at least until mid-December. Tests conducted in Northern California found that most crabs would meet state standards calling for meat to make up 25 percent of body mass by Dec. 1, but populations near Crescent City and the Oregon border would not be ready in time, said DFG marine biologist Peter Kalvass.

Central coast fishermen are meeting Friday to discuss their tie-up, which is a response to low prices from processors.